Councillor Afzal Akram
Email: cllr.afzal.akram@walthamforest.gov.uk
Council: Waltham Forest
Council Profile: View on council website
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Positions, Voting Record & Activity Summary
Councillor Paul Douglas's recent activity in 2025 highlights a strong focus on financial oversight and proactive lobbying efforts. In September, he assured the Budget Scrutiny Committee that spending was under control and financial pressures were being actively monitored. He also provided a detailed overview of the council's lobbying strategy, emphasizing the involvement of Councillor Grace Williams through the London Councils Leaders Committee and direct engagement with local MPs by individual Cabinet members to advocate for parliamentary support.
This recent emphasis on financial prudence and strategic advocacy builds upon a foundation of consistent engagement in council proceedings observed in 2024. During that year, Councillor Grace Williams was a key figure in discussions on governance, financial management, and resident welfare. Her contributions in July addressed concerns for vulnerable children, procedural clarity for public speakers, and motions on civility. Later in the year, her work within the Budget Scrutiny Committee underscored the importance of the Corporate Peer Review for assessing progress and financial health. Councillor Williams consistently advocated for transparent communication regarding consultation rationale and stressed the council's commitment to finding savings while safeguarding resident feedback and the impact on protected groups. A significant and ongoing priority for her has been reforming funding utilization to better support those with acute needs, including initiatives like income maximization and the Discretionary Hardship Fund, informed by the Local Council Tax Support Scheme consultation. She also affirmed the council's housing responsibilities and presented the growth strategy, highlighting investments in cultural sectors, council-run businesses, and housing.
While Councillor Douglas's 2025 activities are specifically detailed around financial scrutiny and lobbying, Councillor Williams' 2024 work provides a broader context of her dedication to resident welfare, financial management, and strategic growth. The 2025 focus on financial oversight by Councillor Douglas, coupled with the detailed lobbying efforts, suggests a strategic approach to securing resources and ensuring fiscal responsibility. Councillor Williams' earlier work on resident welfare and funding utilization for acute needs indicates a consistent commitment to supporting vulnerable populations, which may be indirectly supported by the financial oversight and lobbying efforts in 2025.
Key themes across both years include financial management and resident welfare. Councillor Douglas's recent focus is heavily on financial oversight and lobbying, while Councillor Williams' earlier work encompassed a wider range of governance, resident welfare, and strategic growth. The evolution of focus appears to be a deepening of financial scrutiny and advocacy in the most recent year, potentially to support the broader council objectives outlined in previous years. Councillor Douglas's most significant recent contributions lie in his assurance of financial control and his detailed explanation of the lobbying process. Councillor Williams' significant contributions in 2024 include her advocacy for vulnerable children, her emphasis on transparent consultation, and her strategic vision for council growth and funding utilization. A consistent area of interest for Councillor Williams has been ensuring adequate support for those with acute needs and advocating for fair financial practices.
Yearly Activity Timeline
In 2025, Councillor Paul Douglas focused on financial oversight and lobbying efforts. During a September Budget Scrutiny Committee meeting, he assured the committee that spending was under control and financial pressures were being monitored. He also detailed the lobbying process, noting Councillor Grace Williams' participation through the London Councils Leaders Committee and individual Cabinet members' engagement with local MPs to advocate for parliamentary lobbying.
Councillor Jemma Hemsted was active in October, proposing a motion to bolster support for local businesses. Her concerns included rising employer's national insurance, new parking controls, unfair rent increases, uneven police resource distribution, road closures, and business rate reform. The motion called for specific actions such as writing to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, reverting parking controls, ensuring fair rent practices, discussing police resource allocation, considering road closure impacts, and lobbying for a fair business rate deal. She also sought information on preventing business closures on Cherrydown Avenue.
Monthly Activity in 2025
During October 2025, Councillor Jemma Hemsted was active in one council meeting. She proposed a motion to increase support for local businesses, citing concerns about rising employer's national insurance, new parking controls, unfair rent increases, uneven distribution of Metropolitan Police Service resources, road closures, and the impact of business rate reform. The motion called for specific actions, including writing to the Chancellor of the Exchequer to oppose the NI increase, reverting parking controls, ensuring fair rent practices, discussing resource allocation with the MPS, considering business impacts of road closures, and lobbying for a fair business rate deal. Councillor Hemsted also inquired about measures to prevent business closures on Cherrydown Avenue.
Meetings in October 2025
Council - Thursday, 16th October, 2025 7.30 pm - 16 October 2025
Councillor Jemma Hemsted proposed a motion advocating for increased support for local businesses. The motion highlighted concerns regarding the negative impacts of various factors on local businesses, including increased employers' national insurance, new parking controls, unfair rent rises, uneven distribution of Metropolitan Police Service resources, road closures, and the predicted effects of business rate reform. The motion recommended specific actions such as writing to the Chancellor of the Exchequer to oppose the NI increase, rescinding an experimental Traffic Order to restore old parking controls, ensuring fair rent rises, discussing resource distribution with the MPS, considering business effects when proposing road closures, and lobbying the government for a fair business rate deal. Additionally, Councillor Hemsted asked a supplementary question to Councillor Clyde Loakes about measures to prevent businesses from shutting down in Cherrydown Avenue.
During the September 3rd, 2025 Budget Scrutiny Committee meeting, Councillor Paul Douglas, Portfolio Lead Member for Finance and Resources, addressed concerns about spending, reassuring the committee that it was under control and financial pressures were being closely monitored. He also elaborated on the lobbying process, explaining that London Councils typically lobbies the Government on behalf of London Boroughs. Councillor Douglas highlighted that Councillor Grace Williams participated in this lobbying through the London Councils Leaders Committee, and that individual Cabinet members were contacting local MPs for Waltham Forest to advocate for parliamentary lobbying on behalf of the authority.
Meetings in September 2025
Budget Scrutiny Committee - Wednesday, 3rd September, 2025 7.00 pm - 3 September 2025
Councillor Paul Douglas, Portfolio Lead Member for Finance and Resources, reassured the Committee that spending was under control and that financial pressures were being closely monitored. He also explained the lobbying process regarding changes, stating that London Councils generally lobbied the Government on behalf of London Boroughs. Councillor Douglas noted that Councillor Grace Williams engaged in this lobbying through the London Councils Leaders Committee, and that individual Cabinet members were writing to local MPs for Waltham Forest to encourage them to lobby Parliament on behalf of the authority.
Councillor Afzal Akram attended the Council meeting on July 17, 2025. He participated in the debate on the Labour Group Motion, voting in favor of an amendment proposed by Councillors Best and Saumarez, though it was unsuccessful. He also inquired about signage on Cherrydown Avenue, asking:
Can the size of the signage on Cherrydown Avenue be increased due to the high numbers of PCNs and that any money from the fines were ringfenced for roads and pavements in the area?
Meetings in July 2025
Council - Thursday, 17th July, 2025 7.30 pm - 17 July 2025
Councillor Afzal Akram was present at the Council meeting on July 17, 2025. During the debate on the Labour Group Motion, he spoke and voted in favor of an amendment proposed by Councillors Emma Best and Catherine Saumarez, which was ultimately unsuccessful. He also raised a question regarding signage on Cherrydown Avenue, specifically asking:
Can the size of the signage on Cherrydown Avenue be increased due to the high numbers of PCNs and that any money from the fines were ringfenced for roads and pavements in the area?
In May 2025, Councillor Afzal Akram's activities included abstaining from votes and questioning council leadership. He abstained from voting on the Declaration of a Nature Emergency and the Waltham Forest Local Development Scheme Update. He also questioned Councillor Ahsan Khan, Deputy Leader (Housing and Regeneration), about a reported case of a homeless person receiving compensation after complaining to the Ombudsman, asking:
It was reported in the local press, that a homeless person complained to the Ombudsman and was awarded compensation. Could the Portfolio Holder tell us how many other cases are with the Ombudsman the moment, and also what changes the service has made subject to this ruling so it does not happen again. Also, as custodians of this authority, we should be notified and not left to read in the local press.
Apologies for absence from Cllr Afzal Akram were recorded at the Whipps Cross Joint Health Overview Scrutiny Committee meeting on May 1st, 2025, although it is unclear if this refers to the current meeting or a previous one.
Meetings in May 2025
Annual Meeting, Council - Thursday, 22nd May, 2025 7.30 pm - 22 May 2025
During the Council meeting on May 22, 2025, Afzal Akram abstained from voting on two motions: the Declaration of a Nature Emergency and the Waltham Forest Local Development Scheme Update.
Akram also questioned Councillor Ahsan Khan, Deputy Leader (Housing and Regeneration), regarding a reported case of a homeless person receiving compensation after complaining to the Ombudsman. He asked:
It was reported in the local press, that a homeless person complained to the Ombudsman and was awarded compensation. Could the Portfolio Holder tell us how many other cases are with the Ombudsman the moment, and also what changes the service has made subject to this ruling so it does not happen again. Also, as custodians of this authority, we should be notified and not left to read in the local press.
Whipps Cross Joint Health Overview Scrutiny Committee - Thursday, 1st May, 2025 6.00 pm - 1 May 2025
Apologies for absence from Cllr Afzal Akram were recorded at the meeting of 24 July 2024. It is unclear if this refers to the current meeting or a previous one.
In April 2025, Cllr Afzal Akram attended the Council meeting on April 24th. He was absent from the Budget Scrutiny Committee meeting on April 23rd, for which Cllr Emma Best substituted. During the Council meeting, Akram actively participated in budget discussions, seconding Amendment B to the budget and council tax setting motion, speaking during the debate, and voting in favor of Amendment B while voting against Amendment A and the substantive motion. He also voted against amending the Scheme of Members' allowances and abstained from voting on the Treasury management strategy, the Declaration of a Nature Emergency, and the Waltham Forest Local Development Scheme Update. Akram questioned Councillor Ahsan Khan, Deputy Leader (Housing and Regeneration), regarding a reported case of a homeless person receiving compensation from the Ombudsman, stating: > It was reported in the local press, that a homeless person complained to the Ombudsman and was awarded compensation. Could the Portfolio Holder tell us how many other cases are with the Ombudsman the moment, and also what changes the service has made subject to this ruling so it does not happen again. Also, as custodians of this authority, we should be notified and not left to read in the local press.
Meetings in April 2025
Council - Thursday, 24th April, 2025 7.30 pm - 24 April 2025
Afzal Akram attended the Council meeting and actively participated in several discussions and votes. He seconded Amendment B to the budget and council tax setting motion, moved by Councillor Catherine Saumarez, and spoke during the debate on the budget. He voted in favor of Amendment B and against both Amendment A and the substantive motion regarding the budget and council tax setting. He also voted against the motion to amend the Scheme of Members' allowances and abstained from voting on the Treasury management strategy. Akram further abstained from voting on the motions regarding the Declaration of a Nature Emergency and the Waltham Forest Local Development Scheme Update. During the meeting, he questioned Councillor Ahsan Khan, Deputy Leader (Housing and Regeneration), regarding a reported case of a homeless person receiving compensation from the Ombudsman:
It was reported in the local press, that a homeless person complained to the Ombudsman and was awarded compensation. Could the Portfolio Holder tell us how many other cases are with the Ombudsman the moment, and also what changes the service has made subject to this ruling so it does not happen again. Also, as custodians of this authority, we should be notified and not left to read in the local press.
Budget Scrutiny Committee - Wednesday, 23rd April, 2025 7.00 pm - 23 April 2025
Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Afzal Akram for the Budget Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 18 February 2025. Cllr Emma Best attended as substitute.
During February 2025, Councillor Afzal Akram attended both the Budget Scrutiny Committee meeting and the Special Council meeting on the Annual Budget and Council Tax Setting. While present at the Budget Scrutiny Committee, no specific contributions from him were recorded. At the Council meeting, he actively participated in the budget and council tax setting process, seconding Amendment B, speaking during the debate, and voting in favor of Amendments A and B. He voted against the substantive motion regarding the budget and council tax setting and against the motion to amend the Scheme of Members' allowances. He abstained from the vote on the Treasury management strategy. In a debate on on-street parking controls, he seconded a further amendment proposed by Councillor Emma Best, voted for the amendment, and abstained on the motion as amended.
Meetings in February 2025
Special Meeting: Annual Budget and Council Tax Setting, Council - Thursday, 27th February, 2025 7.30 pm - 27 February 2025
Afzal Akram was present at the Council meeting. He seconded Amendment B to the budget and council tax setting motion, reserving his right to speak, and later spoke during the debate on the budget and council tax setting for 2025/26. He voted in favor of both Amendment A and Amendment B to the budget and council tax setting motion. He voted against the substantive motion regarding the budget and council tax setting proposed by Councillors Williams and Khan, and against the motion to amend the Scheme of Members' allowances 2025/26. He abstained from the vote on the Treasury management strategy 2025/26.
During a debate on on-street parking controls related to a Conservative Group Motion, Councillor Akram spoke and seconded a further amendment to the amended motion proposed by Councillor Emma Best. He voted FOR the amendment proposed by Councillors Best and Akram and ABSTAINED on the motion as amended.
Budget Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday, 18th February, 2025 7.00 pm - 18 February 2025
Councillor Afzal Akram was a member of the Budget Scrutiny Committee and was present at the meeting on February 18, 2025. However, the available documentation does not record any specific questions, comments, or actions attributed to him during the meeting.
Throughout 2024, Councillor Grace Williams demonstrated consistent engagement in council proceedings, focusing on key areas of governance, financial management, and resident welfare. In July, she actively participated in council discussions, addressing concerns about vulnerable children, clarifying procedural rules for public speakers, and moving motions on civility. Her contributions in November and December, particularly within the Budget Scrutiny Committee, centered on the Corporate Peer Review process, emphasizing its importance for assessing progress and financial management. Councillor Williams consistently highlighted the need for clear communication regarding consultation rationale and stressed the Council's commitment to finding savings while prioritizing resident feedback and the impact on protected groups. A significant theme was her focus on reforming funding utilization to better support those with acute needs, mentioning initiatives like income maximization and the Discretionary Hardship Fund, informed by the Local Council Tax Support Scheme consultation. She also affirmed the Council's duty to house residents and presented the Council's growth strategy, citing investments in cultural sectors, Council-run businesses, and housing.
Monthly Activity in 2024
During the December 4th, 2024 Budget Scrutiny Committee meeting, Councillor Williams emphasized the value of the Corporate Peer Review process, highlighting its role in assessing the Council's progress on borough missions and financial management. They stressed the importance of clear consultation rationale, stating that the Council only consults on decisions it is seriously considering, and that resident feedback and potential impacts on protected groups are crucial in refining these decisions. Councillor Williams also outlined plans to reform funding utilization to better support those with acute needs, mentioning efforts in income maximization and the Discretionary Hardship Fund, with the Local Council Tax Support Scheme consultation informing this initiative. They acknowledged that other boroughs might be considering similar schemes and committed to providing more information on equivalent approaches soon. Finally, Councillor Williams discussed the Council's growth strategy, citing investments in cultural sectors, Council-run businesses, and housing.
Meetings in December 2024
Budget Scrutiny Committee - Wednesday, 4th December, 2024 7.00 pm - 4 December 2024
Councillor Williams highlighted the value of the Corporate Peer Review process, noting its insights into the Council's progress on borough missions and financial management. They emphasized that the current action plan was just the beginning of this review, with further insights expected in April. Councillor Williams stressed the importance of clarity in consultation rationale, stating the Council only consults on decisions it is seriously considering. They reiterated the Council's imperative to find savings while also underscoring the need to consider resident feedback and the potential impact on protected groups, viewing consultations as a means to understand and refine decisions. Councillor Williams also informed the committee about the Council's plan to reform funding utilization to better support those with acute needs, mentioning work on income maximization and the Discretionary Hardship Fund to build resilience. They noted that the Local Council Tax Support Scheme consultation would inform this effort. Responding to a question about other boroughs' approaches, Councillor Williams stated it was difficult to know their exact strategies but acknowledged some were considering similar schemes. They stressed the importance of keeping residents informed about the Council's difficult choices and mentioned that more information on equivalent schemes in other boroughs would be available soon. Councillor Williams agreed on the importance of examining in-year mitigations and new savings proposals as they arise. Finally, they spoke about the Council's growth strategy, citing investments in cultural sectors, Council-run businesses, and housing.
During the November 14th Budget Scrutiny Committee meeting, Councillor Williams highlighted the ongoing importance of the Corporate Peer Review process and its action plan, anticipating further insights from the April review. They stressed the necessity of clear communication regarding consultation rationale and reiterated the Council's commitment to finding savings while carefully considering resident feedback and the impact on protected groups. Councillor Williams outlined plans to reform funding utilization to better support those with the most acute needs, emphasizing the role of targeted support and the Local Council Tax Support Scheme consultation. They also affirmed the Council's duty to house residents as close to their original dwellings as possible and agreed with the committee's focus on in-year mitigations and new savings proposals. Finally, Councillor Williams presented the Council's growth strategy, citing investments in cultural sectors, Council-run businesses, and housing.
Meetings in November 2024
Budget Scrutiny Committee - Thursday, 14th November, 2024 7.00 pm - 14 November 2024
Councillor Williams expressed gratitude for the committee's questions and emphasized the value of the Corporate Peer Review process, noting that the action plan was just the beginning and further insights would emerge from the April review. They agreed on the importance of clarity regarding consultation rationale. Councillor Williams reiterated the Council's imperative to find savings, stressing the need to consider resident feedback and the impact on protected groups. They informed the committee of the Council's plan to reform funding utilization to better support those with the most acute needs, highlighting the significance of targeted support and how the Local Council Tax Support Scheme consultation would inform this. Councillor Williams also explained the Council's duty to house residents as close to their original dwellings as possible. They concurred with the committee's focus on in-year mitigations and new savings proposals. Finally, Councillor Williams discussed the Council's growth strategy, citing investments in cultural sectors, Council-run businesses, and housing as evidence.
During the July 18th, 2024 Council meeting, Councillor Grace Williams was actively engaged in various discussions and actions. She extended thanks to Ms. Rhona Hunt and Ms. Gail Penfold, inviting Ms. Penfold to a follow-up meeting. Councillor Williams announced that a petition from Abigail Woodman would be presented to the Planning Committee. She addressed concerns from other councillors regarding the provision of secure facilities for children with emotional and mental health needs, stating the council's duty and the importance of appropriate usage. In response to a query about asbestos permits, she committed to providing a written response. Councillor Williams clarified the Labour Group's vote against expanding public speakers, emphasizing the existing procedures ensure balanced perspectives and adherence to rules. She also explained procedural rules limiting speakers on the same topic, highlighting the need to encourage diverse viewpoints within time constraints. Finally, Councillor Williams moved the Labour Group Motion and the Additional motion: Civility in Public Life, and exercised her right of reply in both debates.
Meetings in July 2024
Council - Thursday, 18th July, 2024 7.30 pm - 18 July 2024
Councillor Grace Williams was actively involved in the Council meeting on July 18th, 2024. She began by thanking Ms. Rhona Hunt for attending and Ms. Gail Penfold for her community work, inviting Ms. Penfold to a follow-up meeting. Councillor Williams noted that a petition from Abigail Woodman would be presented to the Planning Committee. She addressed several questions from other councillors: to Councillor Louisa Mullan, she affirmed the council's duty to provide secure provision for children with emotional and mental health needs and the importance of using these facilities appropriately. In response to Councillor John Moss regarding asbestos permits, she stated she would provide a written response. Addressing Councillor Emma Best's query about the Labour Group's vote against expanding public speakers, Councillor Williams explained that existing speaking procedures ensure balanced perspectives and adherence to rules, emphasizing the importance of following them rather than suspending them. She also responded to Councillor Moss on procedural rules limiting speakers on the same topic, highlighting the Council Procedure Rules' stipulations on speaker numbers and statement length, and the need to encourage diverse viewpoints within time constraints. Councillor Williams moved the Labour Group Motion and the Additional motion: Civility in Public Life, and exercised her right of reply in the debates for both motions.
Activity Timeline
Meetings Attended Note this may include planned future meetings.
20 meetings · Page 1 of 4
Council - Thursday, 11th December, 2025 7.30 pm
The Council of Waltham Forest was scheduled to meet on 11 December 2025 to discuss several topics, including the council tax support scheme, fees and charges for 2026/27, and a proposed new smoke control order. Councillors were also scheduled to discuss the Corporate Parenting Board annual report and a protocol for honorary alderpeople.
Budget Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday, 25th November, 2025 7.00 pm
The Budget Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to meet on 25 November 2025 to discuss fees and charges for the upcoming financial year, review the council's reserves, and receive an update on the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS). The committee will also discuss a scrutiny report and review the minutes of the previous meeting.
Council - Thursday, 16th October, 2025 7.30 pm
The Waltham Forest Council met to discuss a range of topics, including amendments to the council's constitution, treasury management, and a motion regarding support for local businesses. Councillors agreed to amend the Council Procedure Rules and the Councillor's Code of Conduct, and noted reports on treasury management activities, scrutiny, and the use of emergency provisions. The council also rejected a Conservative Group motion calling for support for local businesses.
Budget Scrutiny Committee - Wednesday, 3rd September, 2025 7.00 pm
The Waltham Forest Council's Budget Scrutiny Committee met on 3 September 2025 to discuss the medium term financial strategy, budget monitoring, and future scrutiny reports. The committee reviewed the proposed Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2026/27-2028/29, which outlined a potential funding gap of £15.331 million over three years, and the budget monitoring report for Month 3 of 2025-26, which showed a projected overspend of £31.412 million. The committee also discussed items for future scrutiny, including council tax, business rates, debt collection, consultancy spending and the procurement plan.
Council - Thursday, 17th July, 2025 7.30 pm
Waltham Forest Council met on 17 July 2025, and after observing a moment of silence for the victims of the 7/7 attacks and others, councillors discussed a range of issues including play and community spaces, the borough's financial situation, and parking fees. A motion to support and improve play opportunities for children was passed, and several appointments to committees and outside bodies were agreed.
Decisions from Meetings
52 decisions · Page 6 of 11
Programme of meetings for 2025/26
From: Annual Meeting, Council - Thursday, 22nd May, 2025 7.30 pm - May 22, 2025
Recommendations Approved
Election of Mayor
From: Annual Meeting, Council - Thursday, 22nd May, 2025 7.30 pm - May 22, 2025
...to elect Councillor Tony Bell as the Mayor of the London Borough of Waltham Forest and to thank Councillor Sharon Waldron for her service as Mayor during the previous year.
Recommendations Approved
Declaration of a Nature Emergency: Nature Recovery for a Thriving and More Equal Borough
From: Council - Thursday, 24th April, 2025 7.30 pm - April 24, 2025
...to declare a Nature Emergency and commit to a range of actions, including resident engagement, expert advice, and integrating nature recovery into planning and development, to achieve nature positive outcomes
across the borough.
Recommendations Approved
Appointments
From: Council - Thursday, 24th April, 2025 7.30 pm - April 24, 2025
...to re-appoint Cllr John Moss, Cllr Terry Wheeler, and Colette McCann as the Council's nominated trustees for the Walthamstow & Chingford Almshouse Charity for another four-year term ending May 1, 2029.
Recommendations Approved
Waltham Forest local development scheme update
From: Council - Thursday, 24th April, 2025 7.30 pm - April 24, 2025
...the Council approved the updated Waltham Forest Local Development Scheme (LDS) 2025-2028, effective immediately.
Recommendations Approved
Summary
Meetings Attended: 20
Average per Month: 1.1
Decisions Recorded: 52