The Cabinet of Redbridge Council convened on Thursday, 26 February 2026, with a packed agenda covering the borough's financial future, housing, environmental sustainability, and legal frameworks. Key discussions were scheduled around the Revenue and Capital Budget for 2026/27 and the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2026/27 to 2030/31, alongside a review of the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) finances and budget for the same period. The meeting also included discussions on rent setting for Northview Caravan Site, a contract extension for the Healthy Child Programme, the utilisation of the London Boroughs' Legal Alliance (LBLA) Framework Agreement, and the adoption of a new Climate Change Strategy for Redbridge. Additionally, the Council's use of powers under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) was scheduled for review, and a report on contract waivers from October to December 2025 was presented.

Revenue and Capital Budget and Council Tax 2026/27 and MTFS 2026/27 – 2030/31

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Council's financial planning for the upcoming year and the subsequent five years. The report pack outlined proposals for the Revenue Budget and Capital Programme for 2026/27, with recommendations to Full Council regarding the finalisation of the budget and the setting of Council Tax. This included assumptions for a 2.00% increase in the Adult Social Care Precept and a 2.99% increase in general Council Tax. The report also detailed new funding arrangements following the Fair Funding Review and the introduction of a three-year settlement period, acknowledging the continued financial risks and uncertainties facing local government.

The recommendations included approving the Capital Investment Strategy, new capital spend proposals totalling £55.818m, and a revised capital programme for 2025/26 to 2030/31 amounting to £769.583m. Furthermore, the Treasury Management Strategy, Minimum Revenue Provision policy, and Annual Investment Strategy for 2026/27 were presented for approval. The report also detailed proposed changes to Fees and Charges, with increases generally aligned with average inflation, and noted the forecast Parking Account for 2026/27.

A key element of the financial discussions was the General Fund Budget for 2026/27, which balanced its budget through the use of Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) of £20m, with further EFS requested for the remainder of the three-year settlement period. The report highlighted significant budget pressures and risks, including those in Adult Social Care and Homelessness, which account for 64% of the Council's net revenue budget in 2026/27. The proposed budget also included an additional £1m for street cleansing and the introduction of a Rapid Response Clean Team.

The Council Tax requirement for 2026/27 was detailed, including a proposed 2% increase in the Adult Social Care Precept and a 2.99% increase in the general Council Tax. The report also outlined the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2026/27 to 2030/31, noting significant budget pressures and uncertainties. The MTFS projected savings proposals totalling £51.251m, with £9.667m to be delivered in 2026/27. The report also included a comprehensive breakdown of growth proposals, inflationary increases, and savings by directorate.

Revenue and Capital Budget and Council Tax 2026/27 and MTFS 2026/27 – 2030/31

# Revenue and Capital Budget and Council Tax 2026/27 and MTFS 2026/27 – 2030/31

The report detailed the proposed Revenue Budget for 2026/27 and the Capital Programme for 2025/26 to 2030/31. Key recommendations included approving the Capital Investment Strategy, new capital spend proposals, and the revised capital programme. The Treasury Management Strategy, Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) policy, and Annual Investment Strategy for 2026/27 were also presented for approval. The report outlined proposed changes to Fees and Charges, generally in line with inflation, and noted the forecast Parking Account for 2026/27.

A significant focus was placed on the General Fund Budget for 2026/27, which is balanced through Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) of £20m, with further EFS requested for the subsequent three years. The report detailed budget pressures in Adult Social Care and Homelessness, which constitute a substantial portion of the Council's net revenue budget. The proposed budget also included additional investment in street cleansing and the establishment of a Rapid Response Clean Team.

The calculation of the Council Tax requirement for 2026/27 was presented, including a proposed 2% increase in the Adult Social Care Precept and a 2.99% increase in the general Council Tax. The Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2026/27 to 2030/31 was also discussed, highlighting significant budget pressures and uncertainties. The MTFS outlined proposed savings totalling £51.251m, with £9.667m to be delivered in 2026/27. The report also provided a detailed breakdown of growth proposals, inflationary increases, and savings by directorate.

Budgetary Control Report for Quarter 3 2025/26

The Cabinet received a report detailing the Council's financial performance for the current financial year, 2025/26, as at Quarter 3 (31 December 2025). The report forecast a General Fund overspend of £31.210m, a slight decrease from the Quarter 2 forecast. This overspend is primarily attributed to pressures within the Place, Communities & Enterprise Directorate, particularly in Homelessness, and within the Adults Directorate, driven by care purchasing and staffing costs. The Children and Education Directorate also reported pressures, mainly related to increased demand for external outreach and transport, as well as support for children in need. Corporate budgets were forecasting an underspend of £25.329m, largely due to reduced capital financing costs resulting from slippage in the capital programme. The report noted that the Council's earmarked reserves have been significantly drawn down, impacting financial resilience.

The report also detailed the Capital Programme forecast, indicating slippage estimated at £217.214m for the full year. Recommendations included noting the Q3 forecast overspend, noting planned mitigations, and agreeing capital slippage and additions. Collection rates for Council Tax and Business Rates were reported as being ahead of profile. The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) was forecasting an underspend of £0.368m, while the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) was forecasting an overspend of £11.542m.

Review of Housing Revenue Account Finances and HRA Budget 2026/27 – 2030/31

This report provided an updated financial projection for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) for 2025/26 and proposed budget for 2026/27. Recommendations included noting the projected HRA outturn for 2025/26, agreeing the HRA operational budget for 2026/27, and approving a 4.8% average rent increase for social and affordable housing from April 2026. The report also presented the HRA Medium Term Financial Strategy through to 2030/31, confirming the HRA's sustainability over the next 30 years despite a challenging financial climate. Approval was sought for the Existing Stock programme and the HRA Capital Programme. The report also detailed proposed increases to Tenant Service Charges and HRA garage and car parking charges.

Rent Setting at Northview Caravan Site 2026/27

The meeting was scheduled to discuss the rent level for pitches at Northview Caravan Site for the 2026/27 period. The proposal was to increase rents by 3% from £119.45 to £123.06 per week on a 52-week basis, effective from 6 April 2026. This increase was intended to ensure the cost of providing the site is recovered through rental income. The report noted that rents are charged over 50 weeks, resulting in a weekly charge of £127.99. Consultation with residents on the proposed rent increase had taken place.

Contract extension for the provision of the Healthy Child Programme 0-19 in the London Borough of Redbridge

The Cabinet was informed about the proposed two-year extension of the current contract for the Healthy Child Programme (HCP) 0-19 service, valued at £9,754,000. This extension, running from October 2025 to September 2027, was deemed necessary to ensure continued service provision and allow adequate time for a service review and re-procurement. The report highlighted that the HCP 0-19 service is a statutory requirement for Local Authorities under the Health and Social Care Act 2012. The contract had been awarded to North East London NHS Foundation Trust (NELFT) in 2021 following an open competitive procurement process.

London Borough Legal Alliance (LBLA) Framework Agreement

The meeting was scheduled to discuss the Council's continued utilisation of the London Boroughs' Legal Alliance (LBLA) Solicitors Framework Agreement. This framework, established through a procurement process led by Ealing Council and reprocured by Haringey Council, provides access to specialist external legal advice for ad hoc needs. The proposed extension would allow the Council to continue using the Solicitors Framework from January 2026 for three years, with an option for a further twelve-month extension until 2030. The Council would also continue to use the Barristers Framework until its expiry in 2027. The report indicated that this arrangement ensures access to specialist legal services at competitive rates and offers social value benefits.

A New Climate Change Strategy for Redbridge

A new Climate Change Strategy for Redbridge (2026-30) was presented for approval. This strategy includes 138 actions across five strategic themes: Energy-Efficient Modern Buildings, Sustainable Connected Neighbourhoods, A Climate-Resilient Green Borough, A Thriving Green Economy, and Climate-Conscious Communities. The strategy aims to cut emissions, boost resilience, and build a more sustainable borough, with an ambitious target of becoming a net zero organisation by 2040. The report highlighted significant progress already made, including a 33.2% reduction in the organisation's carbon footprint, the installation of electric vehicle charging points, and the expansion of cycle lanes. The strategy was informed by extensive community engagement, including workshops with residents, students, and the Child Friendly Redbridge panel, ensuring that the commitments reflect local priorities.

Contract Waiver Monitoring October 2025 – December 2025

The Cabinet received a report detailing contract waivers approved during the period of October to December 2025. The report indicated that a total of seven waivers were actioned, with a combined value of £1.542m. The report provided justifications for each waiver, including limited market availability for specific equipment, the need for time-critical services, and situations where the most cost-effective option was direct awarding to a supplier. The report also noted that awarded contracts are published on the Council's website in accordance with Local Government transparency requirements.

Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) 2026

The Cabinet was informed about the Council's use and conduct of covert surveillance powers under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA). The report presented the proposed Council's Policy and Procedures on RIPA, explaining the Council's use of directed surveillance and covert human intelligence sources (CHIS). It was noted that no authorisations had been granted during the current financial year 2025/26. The report recommended the formal adoption of the appended policy and procedures manual and the delegation of authority to the Chief Executive to amend the policy regarding authorising officers. The report also referenced the Investigatory Powers Commissioner's Office (IPCO) annual report and the Council's internal oversight mechanisms.

Part Exempt: Contract Waiver Monitoring October 2025 – December 2025

This report contained exempt information, as described in Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972. The exempt information related to specific contract waiver details, the reasons for which were not publicly disclosed. The report was presented for Cabinet to note and consider the approved waivers and awarded contracts during the specified period.

Part Exempt: Contract Waiver Monitoring October 2025 – December 2025

This report contained exempt information, as described in Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972. The exempt information related to specific contract waiver details, the reasons for which were not publicly disclosed. The report was presented for Cabinet to note and consider the approved waivers and awarded contracts during the specified period.

Housing Needs Restructure Business Case

The report presented a business case for a restructuring of the Housing Needs service. This was likely to address the significant pressures and demands faced by the service, particularly in relation to housing and homelessness, as highlighted in other agenda items. The business case would have outlined proposals for organisational changes to improve efficiency and effectiveness in meeting housing needs across the borough.

The meeting also included standard procedural items such as apologies for absence, declarations of interest, and the confirmation of minutes from the previous meeting. Public question time was also scheduled. The date of the next meeting was noted as 12 March 2026.