The Havering Cabinet met on Wednesday 11 March 2026 for its final meeting of the administration, approving key projects including the construction of a new special educational needs school, the procurement of healthy child and sexual health services, and a build-to-rent housing scheme. The Cabinet also agreed to extend contracts for estate improvements and external works, adopt flood risk and active travel strategies, and designate four new village greens. Discussions also covered the capital funding for children's homes and the council's revenue and capital budget monitoring.

Award of Contract to Construct the New Balgores Special School

Cabinet approved the award of a JCT Design and Build Contract to Galliford Try Ltd for the construction of a new special educational needs school on Balgores Field, Balgores Lane, Gidea Park. The contract value is £38,552,461, subject to planning approvals. This project aims to provide much-needed local specialist capacity for children with special educational needs, reducing the council's reliance on out-of-borough provision and improving educational and wellbeing outcomes. Concerns were raised about the increase in the project's cost since initial approval, with officers explaining that the increase was due to design development, liaison with the trust running the school, and planning requirements. Safeguards are in place to prioritise Havering residents for places at the new school.

Approval to Proceed with Havering's Healthy Child Programme Procurement and Delegation of Authority

Cabinet approved the procurement of the Havering Healthy Child Programme, which provides public health services for children and young people aged 0 to 19. The contract value is estimated to increase to £29 million over a seven-year term. Authority was delegated to the Director of Public Health to decide on the procurement route, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing and the Strategic Director of Resources, with oversight from the Procurement Gateway Review Group. This delegation was made to ensure a compliant and timely procurement process, given the upcoming local elections.

Permission to Procure the Integrated Sexual Health Service

Cabinet approved the direct award of the Integrated Sexual and Reproductive Health Service contract to Barking Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust (BHRUT) for the period 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2033, at an estimated total cost of £9.1 million. This is a mandatory service funded through the ring-fenced Public Health Grant. Authority was delegated to the Director of Public Health, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Adults and Health Wellbeing, to award the contract and agree any variations over its lifetime. Concerns were raised about potential contributions from the NHS, but it was clarified that this is a public health service funded solely through the Public Health Grant.

Inspired Solutions – Build to Rent at the Local Housing Allowance

Cabinet approved in principle the proposal to enter into an overarching nominations agreement with Inspired Solutions for the delivery of up to 600 build-to-rent properties across Havering. This scheme aims to address the housing need by providing long-term, stable accommodation for families currently in hotels and nightly paid accommodation. The first phase will involve up to 100 units, with a projected cost avoidance of approximately £56 million over 40 years. Inspired Solutions will fund the development, and the Council will have 100% nomination rights, guaranteeing rental income at Local Housing Allowance rates. Concerns were raised about financial exposure if rental income assumptions prove optimistic, market distortions, and the council's exit strategy. Officers clarified that exposures are held by Inspired Solutions, and safeguards are in place to mitigate risks. The Renters' Rights Act is expected to offer tenants greater security of tenure.

Extension of Contract for Estate Improvements and Retrofit

Cabinet agreed to extend the existing contract with BTS Property Solutions Limited for estate improvements and external works to HRA properties for a further 12 months, up to a maximum value of £3 million. This extension is necessary to ensure continuity of service delivery while new strategic alliance contracts are procured and mobilised. The new contracts are expected to be live later in 2026. Concerns were raised by Councillor Keith Darvill regarding the clarity of Section 20 notices for leaseholders, particularly regarding large bills and the need for better communication of benefits. Officers acknowledged the point and stated that the wording of information provided would be reviewed.

Adoption of Flood Risk Management Strategy and Surface Water Management Plan

Cabinet agreed to adopt the Local Flood Risk Management Strategy, Surface Water Management Plan, and associated Action Plan. These statutory documents replace existing plans from 2013 and 2015, incorporating updated data and approaches. The plans identify flood risks within the borough and outline actions for the council and partner organisations to manage these risks, focusing on flooding from smaller watercourses, surface water runoff, and groundwater. Concerns were raised about capital funding for implementation, with officers explaining that funding would be sought through grants and revenue budgets, and that studies would help prioritise bidding for external funding. Hotspots identified in Havering include areas around the River Rom and Beam River, Gallows Corner, and Elm Park.

Active Travel Strategy Adoption

Cabinet approved the adoption of the Active Travel Strategy, a 15-year plan (2026–2041) to promote walking, cycling, and public transport as preferred travel modes. The strategy aligns with national and regional objectives, including the Mayor of London's Transport Strategy and Havering's Local Implementation Plan target of 65% of trips by active and sustainable transport by 2041. The strategy focuses on infrastructure improvements, behaviour change initiatives, and policy alignment. Delivery is dependent on securing external funding, with a proposal to create a new Active Travel Officer post to manage its implementation. Concerns were raised about the current reliance on cars, the displacement of traffic issues by School Streets, and the impact of overpopulation on infrastructure. Officers acknowledged these challenges and highlighted the long-term nature of the strategy and the focus on targeted interventions.

Proposals for the Voluntary Making of Four Further Village Greens within Havering

Cabinet agreed to apply for the voluntary village green registration of four Council-owned open spaces: Cherry Tree Lane (South Hornchurch), Queens Theatre Green (Hornchurch), Havering Well Garden (Romford), and Elliots Field (Emerson Park). This designation will provide robust protection against future development. Officers will carry out the necessary actions to achieve successful registration. Concerns were raised about the potential loss of development opportunity for housing, but it was noted that these sites were not currently allocated for development in the Local Plan and that sufficient alternative sites were available.

DFE Capital Funding for Children's Homes

Cabinet agreed to accept a £1.03 million capital grant from the Department for Education (DfE) and commit £0.515 million in capital funding to purchase and adapt two residential properties to create registered children's homes. One home will accommodate two children, and the other will house four. This initiative aims to reduce the need for children to be placed in inpatient mental health hospitals or unsuitable, ill-matched provision. Authority was delegated to the Strategic Director for Place to select and agree the purchase of the homes, and to the Lead Member of Children's Services to award the care contract following an open tendering process. Concerns were raised about the suitability of locations for children's homes, with officers assuring that detached properties in more rural parts of the district area would be considered, and that local councillors would be consulted prior to purchase.

Revenue and Capital Budget Monitoring Report 2025/26

Cabinet noted the council's financial position as at the end of January 2026, which forecasts an underspend of £17.4 million against the mid-case budget for the General Fund and a £2.83 million underspend on the Housing Revenue Account (HRA). This represents a significant improvement since the previous monitoring report. However, the council is still forecasting a Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) overspend of £31.5 million this year, projected to rise to £67.7 million. The report also noted the capital monitoring position, with a forecast expenditure of £160 million for the year. Concerns were raised about the distinction between genuine efficiency improvements and delayed spending, with officers confirming that savings delivered are considered genuine efficiencies and that demand-led budgets offer little scope for delaying expenditure. The council continues to lobby for fair funding and the removal of interest charges on Exceptional Financial Support.

Quarter 3 Corporate Performance Report

Cabinet noted the Quarter 3 Corporate Performance Report, which provides an overview of the council's performance against its Corporate Plan KPIs. As at the end of Q3 2025/26, 54 indicators were RAG rated, with 21 (39%) rated Green, 12 (22%) Amber, and 21 (39%) Red. The report highlighted areas of concern, including the 'Connect to work' programme, the delivery of new homes through Inspired Solutions, the performance of the SEND service in completing Education, Health, and Care Needs Assessments, and the number of children in residential care. Mitigation plans are in place for these areas, and progress will be monitored. The council's overall performance on the Healthy Streets Scorecard was noted as being low, indicating a need for improvement in active travel infrastructure and modal share.