The Homes and Neighbourhoods Policy Development Committee met on Wednesday 18 March 2026 to discuss a range of recommendations aimed at improving the health and well-being of Redbridge residents. Key discussions focused on enhancing leisure and community activities, addressing health inequalities, and improving provision for disabled residents. The committee also reviewed its annual work programme.

Review of Evidence, Conclusions and Recommendations for Homes and Neighbourhoods

The committee engaged in an extensive discussion regarding a comprehensive set of recommendations designed to foster a more holistic approach to leisure and health within Redbridge. These recommendations emerged from a year-long review involving various stakeholders, including health services, leisure providers, and community organisations like Community Action Redbridge.

A significant focus was placed on addressing health disparities across the borough. Data was reviewed concerning physical activity levels, adult and child obesity, diabetes, coronary heart disease, and life expectancy, highlighting variations between different wards and ethnic groups. The South Asian community, for instance, was noted as being disproportionately affected by cardiovascular ailments.

Several key areas for improvement were identified:

• Targeted Intervention Programmes: The need for targeted intervention programmes was stressed, particularly in wards with low participation in leisure activities and higher rates of deprivation. This includes developing specific support for community and faith groups.
• Accessibility and Affordability: A major theme was the examination of barriers to participation in leisure activities, with affordability being a significant concern. Councillors raised the issue of charges for leisure facilities, especially for pensioners and families on benefits, and suggested exploring options for discounted or free access, drawing comparisons with neighbouring boroughs like Tower Hamlets and Islington. The potential for community grant funding to support these initiatives was also discussed.
• Community and Faith-Based Activities: The committee highlighted the importance of engaging with community and faith groups to deliver tailored activities. Suggestions included providing professional instructors for fitness sessions within faith settings and supporting existing community-led initiatives.
• Youth and Gender-Focused Actions: Recommendations included investigating the reasons for decreased participation among younger girls in sports and identifying strategies to improve retention. The idea of sponsoring sports championships to promote engagement was also put forward, with a call to reintroduce competitive programmes and leagues.
• Schools and Food Environments: Discussions touched upon the prevalence of takeaways near schools and the feasibility of providing discounted fruit in schools, drawing parallels with past initiatives like free milk. The committee also noted the positive step of schools teaching children about smart shopping and budgeting for healthy meals.
• Facilities and Provision: The ongoing review of borough-wide leisure facilities was mentioned, including the unmet need for indoor cricket and the introduction of new activities like paddle tennis. The committee also discussed examining barriers to participation, such as transport to facilities.
• Inclusion for Disabled Residents: A specific concern was raised regarding the provision of rehabilitation services for stroke survivors. The current system, where free support is limited to four to six weeks under a reablement package, was discussed, with a suggestion to explore more affordable community-based options for ongoing recuperation, particularly for those who exceed income thresholds for social care contributions. The need for inclusive activities and purposeful design for disabled people was also emphasised.
• Partnership Working: A strong emphasis was placed on cross-sector partnerships between health, leisure, and the voluntary sector to address complex health inequalities. The vital role of organisations like Community Action Redbridge was recognised, with a recommendation for their funding to be renewed. The committee also explored the concept of community-led enterprises and learning from best practices in neighbouring boroughs.

The committee also noted the ongoing work with the contract manager for Leisure and Culture, Dave Pugh, who is involved in a feasibility study for the contract with Vision.

Homes and Neighbourhoods PDC Annual Work Programme 2025-2026

The committee considered and noted the Homes and Neighbourhoods Policy Development Committee's annual work plan for 2025-2026. This plan outlines the topics and evidence to be considered throughout the year, including the review of evidence, conclusions, and recommendations related to Homes and Neighbourhoods.

Update from Overview and Scrutiny Committee

An update was provided on the activities of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee. Recent meetings had covered the revenue and capital budget, council tax for 2026-27, the MFTS 26-27, the HRA finance and rent setting report, and budgetary control reports. The Overview and Scrutiny Committee debated and approved the debt management strategy and the customer services experience strategy. The next meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee was scheduled for 24 February 2026.

Minutes of Previous Meeting

The minutes of the previous meeting of the Homes and Neighbourhoods Policy Development Committee, held on 3 February 2026, were presented for approval.