Ray Best - Councillor for Havering (Havering-atte-Bower)

Councillor Ray Best

Conservative Havering-atte-Bower

Activity Timeline

Meetings Attended Note this may include planned future meetings.

309 meetings · Page 1 of 62

Council Committee Member

Annual Council, Council - Wednesday, 27th May, 2026 7.30 pm

May 27, 2026, 7:30 pm
Strategic Planning Committee Committee Member

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.

March 26, 2026, 7:00 pm
Council Committee Member

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.

March 18, 2026, 7:30 pm
Place Overview & Scrutiny Sub Committee Committee Member

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.

March 10, 2026, 7:00 pm
Council Committee Member

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.

March 04, 2026, 7:30 pm

Decisions from Meetings

15 decisions · Page 2 of 3

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

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

THE COUNCIL'S BUDGET 2025/26

From: Council Tax, Council - Wednesday, 26th February, 2025 7.30 pm - February 26, 2025

...the Council's 2025/26 budget, HRA Business Plan update, Bridge Close Regeneration LLP Business Plan Refresh 2025-2026, and HWR JVLLP Business Plan were addressed, including approving the HRA Budget, increasing rents for tenants, approving the Bridge Close Regeneration LLP Business Plan 2025-2026, and noting the Strategic Director of Place will bring forward a report proposing the use of Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) powers for the Chippenham Road development.

Recommendations Approved

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

From: Council Tax, Council - Wednesday, 26th February, 2025 7.30 pm - February 26, 2025

...to note the apologies for absence from Councillors Mandy Anderson, Ray Best, Joshua Chapman, Sue Ospreay, Viddy Persaud, Katharine Tumilty and Damian White.

Deleted

Summary

Meetings Attended: 309

Average per Month: 2.1

Decisions Recorded: 15 Not all decisions are recorded, so this may significantly underestimate the number of decisions actually made.