The Cabinet of Redbridge Council met on Thursday, 12 March 2026, to discuss a range of strategic and operational matters. Key topics scheduled for consideration included the council's Corporate Debt Management Strategy for 2026/27, a new Customer Experience Strategy, and a grant funding agreement for the Connect to Work programme.

Corporate Debt Management Strategy 2026/27

The meeting was scheduled to consider the Corporate Debt Management Strategy for the upcoming financial year. This strategy, first adopted in April 2023, aims to ensure that outstanding debts owed to the council are recovered effectively while also minimising debt and maximising collection rates. The strategy encompasses various debt types, including Council Tax, Business Rates, parking charges, rent, housing benefit overpayments, and sundry debts. The report pack indicated that the strategy had been reviewed and strengthened to provide greater clarity. The key objectives outlined for the strategy include maximising income collection, recognising the causes of debt to tailor recovery methods, and standardising procedures. It also emphasises assisting customers experiencing financial difficulties and promoting payment in advance or at the point of service delivery where possible. The strategy also details principles for billing, recovery processes, and the use of enforcement agents, alongside provisions for debt write-off and performance monitoring.

Customer Experience Strategy

A significant item on the agenda was the proposed Customer Experience Strategy for 2026-2029. This strategy is presented as a cornerstone of the Modernising Redbridge agenda, aiming to improve how residents interact with council services. The strategy focuses on simplifying access, resolving issues at the earliest possible point, reducing failure demand (repeat and avoidable contact), and embedding early intervention and prevention. It acknowledges that Redbridge's population is growing, increasing demand on services such as housing, social care, and employment support. The strategy proposes a significant investment in technology, workforce redesign, and cultural change to create a single front door for residents, a single view of the customer, and consistent, joined-up service delivery. The delivery programme is phased over three years, with the aim of achieving cash-releasing savings and wider benefits such as improved resident satisfaction and reduced complaints. The strategy was developed through engagement with residents, staff, and voluntary sector partners, and its recommendations were informed by the work of the Council's Policy Development Committee.

Local London – New GLA Connect to Work Grant Funding Agreement

The Cabinet was also scheduled to consider a new three-year Grant Funding Agreement with the Greater London Authority (GLA) for the delivery of the Connect to Work programme, replacing the current Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Grant Funding Agreement. This programme aims to support residents into employment. The report indicated that the meeting would seek approval for Redbridge Council, acting as the Accountable Body for Local London, to enter into this new agreement. The discussion was expected to cover transition arrangements, including the termination of existing agreements and the issuance of replacement agreements aligned with the GLA Integrated Settlement, to ensure continuity of service. The expected outcome was the approval of the new agreement and the delegation of authority to finalise and enter into it, as well as to commence the procurement of an independent evaluation partner.

Forward Plan

The Cabinet was also due to review the Forward Plan of Key Decisions for the period of March to June 2026. This plan outlines forthcoming key decisions to be taken by the council's executive, ensuring transparency and adherence to the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012. The plan identifies decisions to be taken in public and private sessions and allows for public representations.

References and Comments from Committees

The agenda also included an item to receive references and comments from various committees, including the Overview Committee, Governance & Assurance Committee, Licensing Committee, and Planning Committee. These references are submitted for response by the Cabinet.