Councillor Ray Best
Activity Timeline
Meetings Attended Note this may include planned future meetings.
309 meetings · Page 1 of 62
Annual Council, Council - Wednesday, 27th May, 2026 7.30 pm
Strategic Planning Committee - Thursday, 26 March 2026 - 7.00 pm
The Strategic Planning Committee of Havering Council met on 26 March 2026 to discuss the redevelopment of the Angel Way multi-storey car park in Romford. The committee approved the demolition of the existing car park and its redevelopment into two residential blocks comprising 106 flats, along with a small commercial unit.
Council - Wednesday, 18 March 2026 - 7.30 pm
The Council meeting on 18 March 2026 saw a significant debate and vote on the future of three libraries: Harold Wood, Gidea Park, and South Hornchurch. Ultimately, all proposals to halt their closure or disposal failed to pass. The council also approved changes to its Contract Procedure Rules and Constitution, and adopted the Pay Policy Statement for 2026/27.
Place Overview & Scrutiny Sub Committee - Tuesday, 10th March, 2026 7.00 pm
The Place Overview and Scrutiny Subcommittee met to discuss the progress of the New Housing Allocation Scheme and the challenges of emergency temporary accommodation. Significant delays were reported in the implementation of the new housing allocation scheme due to contractor issues, leading to a surge in applications and the introduction of a working household contribution
to address potential disadvantages for employed residents. The committee also heard about the ongoing pressures on temporary accommodation, driven by increased homelessness demand and a decline in the private rented sector, with the council exploring various initiatives to increase supply and reduce reliance on costly hotels.
Council Tax Setting, Council - Wednesday, 4th March, 2026 7.30 pm
The Council of Havering met on Wednesday, 4 March 2026, to discuss and approve the budget for the 2026/27 financial year, which included setting the Council Tax. After considerable debate, the administration's budget proposal was approved, with an amendment from the Labour Group being rejected.
Decisions from Meetings
15 decisions · Page 1 of 3
ESTABLISHING THE COMMITTEES OF THE COUNCIL AND CONFIRMING THE SCHEME OF DELEGATION
From: Annual Council, Council - Wednesday, 21st May, 2025 7.30 pm - May 21, 2025
...to establish the committees of the Council and confirm the scheme of delegation, including approving the recommendations with amendments proposed by the Labour Group not agreed.
Recommendations Approved
RESOLUTION TO EXTEND SIX MONTH ATTENDANCE RULE
From: Annual Council, Council - Wednesday, 21st May, 2025 7.30 pm - May 21, 2025
...to avoid Councillor Mandy Anderson being disqualified due to non-attendance at meetings because of medical treatment, they approved a resolution to extend the six-month attendance rule for her, allowing her to remain a councillor until at least January 15, 2026, unless she attends a qualifying meeting before then.
Recommendations Approved
MAYORALTY 2025/26
From: Annual Council, Council - Wednesday, 21st May, 2025 7.30 pm - May 21, 2025
...to elect Councillor Sue Ospreay as Mayor and note the appointment of Councillor Barry Mugglestone as Deputy Mayor for the 2025/26 municipal year.
Recommendations Approved
APPOINTMENT OF THE MEMBER CHAMPIONS
From: Annual Council, Council - Wednesday, 21st May, 2025 7.30 pm - May 21, 2025
...it appointed Barry Mugglestone, Robby Misir, Bryan Vincent, and Frankie Walker as Member Champions for the Armed Forces, Equality and Diversity, the Historic Environment, and Young People, respectively, with the position for Equality and Diversity being contested and won by Robby Misir.
Recommendations Approved
APPOINTMENT OF THE CHAIRMEN AND VICE-CHAIRMEN OF COMMITTEES
From: Annual Council, Council - Wednesday, 21st May, 2025 7.30 pm - May 21, 2025
...they appointed the chairmen and vice-chairmen of various committees, including Julie Wilkes as Chairman of the Audit Committee and John Crowder as Chairman of the Pensions Committee, while also withdrawing the nomination of Councillor Mandy Anderson for the position of Chairman of Pensions Committee.
Recommendations Approved
Summary
Meetings Attended: 309
Average per Month: 2.1
Decisions Recorded: 15