The Cabinet of Redbridge Council met on Thursday, 26 February 2026, to discuss and approve the detailed budget proposals for 2026/27, which included significant savings and a proposed Council Tax increase. Key decisions also encompassed the extension of the Corporate Voluntary Sector Grants Programme, approval of the London Councils Grants Scheme budget, amendments to the Housing Allocations Policy, and the adoption of a new Climate Change Strategy for Redbridge.

Detailed Budget Proposals for 2026/27

The Cabinet approved new savings proposals totalling £7.253m for 2026/27, with a further £42.674m projected across the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) period. These savings are intended to deliver efficiencies and increase income, thereby protecting essential services for residents and businesses. Alongside these savings, the Cabinet also approved the reversal of some previously agreed savings, totalling £9.467m for 2026/27 and £18.177m across the MTFS period. These reversals were made to reflect current expectations and are now being delivered through the newly identified savings. Officers will continue to seek opportunities to maximise savings and minimise growth and inflation through the Council's modernisation programme.

The Council Tax is set to increase by 2.99% for the general element, alongside a 2% increase in the Adult Social Care Precept, bringing the total indicative Band D Council Tax for 2026/27 to £2,294.58. This decision was made in light of the provisional Local Government Finance Settlement, which assumes such increases are necessary to balance the budget. The detailed budget proposals, including capital investment, treasury management strategy, and fees and charges for 2026/27, were also approved.

Corporate Voluntary Sector Grants Programme Extension

The Cabinet agreed to extend the Corporate Voluntary Sector Grants Programme by one year, to 2027. This extension will allow for the design and launch of the next programme to align with the Council's new Corporate Plan and Vision for Redbridge, which is due to be published in mid-2026. The extension covers both the Commissioned via Grant and Community Seed Fund Programmes.

London Councils Grants Scheme - Budget Proposals 2026/27

The Cabinet noted the budget proposals of the London Councils Grants Committee for 2026/27 and agreed to Redbridge Council's subscription of £0.238m for 2026/27. This represents an increase of £0.003m on the base figure of £0.235m for 2025/26. This decision is necessary to ensure the continued administration of voluntary sector grants on behalf of London Councils.

Redbridge Corporate Performance Report Quarter 2 2025/26

The Cabinet noted the performance against the key priority measures for Redbridge as outlined in the Redbridge Plan 2022-2026. The report provides outturn data and achievements delivered between July and September 2025, highlighting the Council's progress in maintaining and improving the level and quality of services.

Allocations Policy Amendments

The Cabinet adopted amendments to the Housing Allocation Policy. These changes are designed to reflect recent caselaw, increase opportunities to prevent homelessness and reduce the use of temporary accommodation, decrease re-banding requests, provide greater transparency, and ensure fairness for working and gypsy and traveller households. Furthermore, any future non-material changes to the policy can be approved by the Director of Housing under delegated authority, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness.

A New Climate Change Strategy for Redbridge

The Cabinet approved the new Climate Change Strategy for Redbridge (2026-30). This strategy sets out 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 accelerate decarbonisation efforts, enhance the borough's resilience to extreme weather, and empower residents to adopt more sustainable lifestyles, with an ambition for the Council to become a net zero organisation by 2040.

Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) Policy

The Cabinet formally adopted the appended policy and procedures manual on RIPA. This policy outlines the Council's use and conduct of covert surveillance techniques when investigating serious criminal offences, ensuring compliance with legislation and protecting the Council from legal challenges. Cabinet also delegated authority to the Chief Executive to amend the policy regarding the updating of Authorised Officers.

Waiver and Contract Monitoring 2025/26 Quarter 3

The Cabinet noted and considered the contract waivers and awarded contracts for the period October to December 2025. A total of seven waivers were actioned, amounting to £1.542m, with justifications provided for each. The report also noted awarded contracts, which are published on the Council's website.

Housing Needs Restructure Business Case

This item was marked as Exempt and resolved to be discussed in private.

The meeting also noted apologies for absence from Councillor Duddridge and Councillor K. Chowdhury. There were no declarations of interest made by members in attendance. The minutes of the previous meeting held on 19 January 2026 were agreed. There were no public speakers during the Public Question Time. References and comments from committees were also noted as none. The Forward Plan for January to March 2026 was agreed. The date of the next meeting was set for 26 February 2026.