The Cabinet of Havering Council convened on Wednesday, 11 March 2026, to discuss several key issues, approving the construction of a new special educational needs school, extending a contract for estate improvements, and adopting a new Active Travel Strategy. The meeting also saw the approval of plans to procure an integrated sexual health service and proceed with the voluntary registration of four further village greens.

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 the new Balgores Special School. The contract is valued at £38,552,461 and is subject to planning approvals. This project aims to provide much-needed specialist educational capacity for children with special educational needs within Havering, reducing reliance on out-of-borough provision and improving educational and wellbeing outcomes. Concerns were raised regarding the original cost estimates and the prioritisation of Havering residents for places, with assurances given that consultation dates would be aligned with the new school trust to ensure local children are prioritised.

Approval to Proceed with Havering's Healthy Child Programme Procurement

Cabinet agreed to proceed with the procurement of the Havering Healthy Child Programme and delegated authority for deciding the procurement route to the Director of Public Health, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Adults and Health Wellbeing. The current contract, valued at approximately £23.5 million, ends on 31 March 2027. The intention is to increase investment for the new contract to £29 million over a seven-year term. Questions were raised about the delegation of procurement route decisions to officers and potential cuts to other public health services if the grant does not increase in line with contract costs. Officers clarified that any uplifts would be dependent on additional funding from the Public Health Grant.

Permission to Procure the Integrated Sexual Health Service

Cabinet approved the direct award of the Integrated Sexual and Reproductive Health Service contract to BHRUT for the period 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2033, with an estimated total cost of £9.1 million. This is a mandatory service funded through the ring-fenced Public Health Grant. Concerns were raised about potential NHS contributions, but it was clarified that this is a public health service provision funded by the Public Health Grant.

Inspired Solutions - Build to Rent at the Local Housing Allowance

Cabinet approved in principle proposals to enter into an overarching nominations agreement with Inspired Solutions for the delivery of up to 600 build-to-rent properties across Havering. This initiative aims to address the significant pressure of housing need and reduce reliance on costly and unsuitable temporary accommodation. The first phase will focus on up to 100 units, with rent guarantees provided up to current Local Housing Allowance rates. Concerns were raised regarding financial exposure, market distortions, and exit strategies, with assurances that exposures are held by Inspired Solutions and that rent guarantees are linked to Local Housing Allowance rates. The security of tenure for residents was also discussed, with reference to the Renters' Rights Act.

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 period of one year at a maximum value of £3 million. This extension is necessary to bridge the gap until new strategic alliance contracts are in place, which have experienced procurement delays. Discussions also touched upon the clarity of Section 20 notices for leaseholders regarding potential large bills and the balance between tenant benefits and leaseholder costs.

Adoption of Flood Risk Management Plan 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, providing updated data and approaches to manage flood risk, particularly from surface water runoff and smaller watercourses. Questions were raised about capital funding for implementation and specific hotspots within Havering, with officers explaining that studies would enable bidding for external funding and that hotspots are identified in the report.

Active Travel Strategy Adoption

Cabinet approved the adoption of the Active Travel Strategy, setting out a 15-year plan to promote walking, cycling, and public transport as preferred modes of travel. The strategy aligns with national and regional objectives and Havering's Local Implementation Plan target of 65% of trips by active and sustainable transport by 2041. Concerns were raised about the current reliance on cars, the impact of traffic displacement from schemes like School Streets, and the need for societal change to address safety fears. Officers acknowledged these challenges and highlighted the strategy's flexible framework and commitment to external funding.

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 initiative aims to protect valuable green spaces for public use in perpetuity, contributing to residents' physical and mental well-being. 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 are expected to be identified.

DFE Capital Funding for Children's Homes

Cabinet approved the acceptance of a £1.03 million capital grant from the Department for Education (DfE) and committed £0.515 million in capital funding to purchase and develop two residential properties into registered children's homes. These specialist homes will provide care for children with complex emotional needs, reducing the need for inpatient mental health care or unsuitable placements, and are estimated to generate cost avoidance savings of approximately £1 million per annum. Discussions highlighted the importance of community consultation and the use of detached properties in more rural areas to provide adequate space.

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 on the General Fund and £2.83 million on the Housing Revenue Account (HRA). This improvement is attributed to increased Housing Benefit income and effective cost management. However, a forecast overspend of £31.5 million on the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) budgets will bring the overall DSG deficit to £67.7 million. Concerns were raised about the distinction between genuine efficiency savings and delayed expenditure, and the overall under-provision of funds for core services.

Quarter 3 Corporate Performance Report

Cabinet considered the Quarter 3 Corporate Performance Report, noting the RAG status of various performance indicators. While 39% of indicators were rated Green, 22% were Amber, and 39% were Red. Specific areas of concern included the 'Connect to work' programme, the delivery of housing units, and the timeliness of SEND assessments. The report highlighted ongoing efforts to address underperformance, including restructuring teams, improving provider engagement, and enhancing data collection processes.

The meeting concluded with Councillor Ray Morgon, Leader of the Council, thanking Cabinet members for their work over the administration's term, emphasising the Council's commitment to openness, honesty, and transparency.