Alex Holmes - Councillor for Redbridge (Valentines)

Councillor Alex Holmes

Labour Valentines

Email: Alex.Holmes@redbridge.gov.uk

Council: Redbridge

Council Profile: View on council website

Committees: Children and Young People Policy Development Committee (Chair) Council (Member) External Scrutiny Committee (Member)

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Positions, Voting Record & Activity Summary

Last updated: 9 days ago

Councillor Alex Holmes has demonstrated a consistent and evolving commitment to Redbridge Council over his years of service, with a pronounced focus on the well-being of young people and the equitable treatment of vulnerable residents, particularly in his most recent activities.

Key Themes and Priorities:

Across his council service, Holmes has consistently prioritized the welfare of children and young people, as well as advocating for vulnerable communities. His work has spanned areas such as the cost and standard of placements for looked-after young people, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision, and ensuring equitable access to services. More recently, his focus has broadened to include direct engagement with ward-specific issues, such as social housing eligibility and the protection of natural assets.

Evolution of Focus:

While Holmes has maintained a strong dedication to youth services, his recent activities show an expansion of his engagement. In earlier years (2024-2025), his leadership as Chair of the Children and Young People Policy Development Committee (PDC) was central. By 2026, while still deeply involved in youth-related matters, his role as a Valentines ward representative became more prominent, leading to direct involvement in policy debates on social housing and environmental protection. This suggests a progression from a committee-focused leadership to a more direct, ward-level advocacy alongside his broader council responsibilities.

Most Significant Contributions (Emphasis on Recent Years):

In 2026, Holmes was a highly visible figure. He chaired the Children and Young People Policy Development Committee, with a specific emphasis on SEND provision outside mainstream settings. Critically, he took a strong stance against the proposed increase in the income threshold for social housing eligibility, directly challenging Redbridge's methodology by stating it was >looser and less refined < and questioning the rationale for families in temporary accommodation. His co-sponsorship of the motion >Protect and Restore Our Natural Assets < further highlights his engagement with pressing environmental concerns.

In 2025, his leadership as Chair of the Children & Young People PDC was significant. He successfully guided the Cost and Standard of Placements for Looked After Young People report, leading to actionable recommendations. His advocacy for improved SEND provision, including the timely issuance of EHCPs, was a cornerstone of his work. He also demonstrated a commitment to inclusivity through his motion supporting equal access for the Roma community and raised concerns about temporary accommodation placements.

In 2024, Holmes laid the groundwork for his future leadership. He advocated for improved bus stop facilities for vulnerable individuals and took on a role within the Clean and Green PDC. His early involvement in addressing The Cost and Standard of Placements for Young People as Chair-elect of the Children and Young People PDC demonstrated his foresight and commitment to addressing critical youth welfare issues.

Patterns and Consistent Areas of Interest:

Throughout his council service, Alex Holmes has consistently demonstrated a deep concern for the most vulnerable members of the community, particularly children and young people. His dedication to scrutinizing council policies and ensuring their fairness and effectiveness is a recurring theme. His active participation in policy development committees, coupled with his direct engagement on ward-level issues, showcases a comprehensive approach to public service.

Yearly Activity Timeline

In 2026, Councillor Alex Holmes was a prominent figure at Redbridge Council, particularly in January. He chaired the Children and Young People Policy Development Committee, with a stated focus on SEND provision outside mainstream settings. Holmes also actively represented Valentines ward, voicing strong opposition to the proposed increase in the income threshold for social housing eligibility. He criticized Redbridge's methodology as >looser and less refined < and questioned the justification for families in temporary accommodation. Furthermore, he seconded the motion >Protect and Restore Our Natural Assets. <

Monthly Activity in 2026

During January 2026, Councillor Alex Holmes was actively involved in Redbridge Council meetings. He served as Chair of the Children and Young People Policy Development Committee, noting their upcoming focus on SEND provision outside mainstream settings. Holmes also represented Valentines ward and raised significant concerns about the proposed increase in the income threshold for social housing eligibility, questioning its justification for families in temporary accommodation and criticizing Redbridge's methodology as looser and less refined compared to neighboring boroughs. Additionally, he seconded the motion Protect and Restore Our Natural Assets.

Meetings in January 2026
Redbridge Council - 22 January 2026

Councillor Alex Holmes seconded the motion Protect and Restore Our Natural Assets, which was moved by Councillor Kam Rai.

Activity Timeline

Meetings Attended Note this may include planned future meetings.

57 meetings · Page 3 of 12

Committee Member

Redbridge Council

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to discuss the budgetary control report, the treasury management strategy, and the budget strategy, all of which are due to be considered by the cabinet. The committee noted the budgetary pressures arising from homelessness and adult social care, and discussed potential measures to mitigate these, including preventative work and collaboration with health partners. The committee also discussed the treasury management strategy, the long-term plan for reducing debts, and the modernisation agenda.

November 10, 2025
Committee Member

Redbridge Council

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to discuss the findings of a corporate peer challenge, and plans to modernise the council. Councillors agreed to send a recommendation to the cabinet that members should be involved in training and working groups related to the modernisation programme. The committee also received updates from the chairs of the Policy Development Committees (PDCs).

October 14, 2025
Committee Member

Redbridge Council

Redbridge Council was scheduled to discuss a range of topics at its meeting, including the appointment of an Executive Director of Resources, the annual scrutiny report, and the Redbridge Statement of Licensing Policy. Councillors were also expected to answer questions from the public and from other council members.

September 18, 2025
Committee Chair

Redbridge Council

The Children and Young People Policy Development Committee met on Monday 15 September 2025 to discuss several topics related to children and young people in Redbridge. The agenda included a discussion on partnership working in relation to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), an update from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, and a review of the committee's work programme for the remainder of 2025/26. The committee was also scheduled to note the actions log from the previous meeting.

September 15, 2025
Committee Member

Redbridge Council

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to discuss several executive reports before they are considered by the cabinet, including proposals for leisure and culture services, changes to recycling services, and the budget control report for the first quarter of 2025/26. The committee requested to receive the Priority Action Plan regarding the Area Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Inspection of Redbridge Local Area Partnership prior to its submission to the cabinet. The committee also noted verbal updates from the chairs of the Policy Development Committees (PDC).

September 10, 2025

Decisions from Meetings

1 decision

Public Question Time

From: Redbridge Council - September 10, 2025

Recommendations Approved

Summary

Meetings Attended: 57

Average per Month: 2.7

Decisions Recorded: 1