Councillor Rob Gardner

The Council of Waltham Forest approved changes to the Constitution on 16 July 2026. These changes included amendments to the Employment Procedure Rules, Staffing Committee Terms of Reference, Committee Procedure Rules, and Scrutiny Committee Terms of Reference. The approved changes aim to ensure clarity and consistency within the Constitution.

The Council of Waltham Forest approved amendments to the Planning Committee Terms of Reference and the Planning Code of Practice on 16 July 2026. These changes align the council's constitution with new national planning delegation regulations. The amendments specify which planning applications are delegated to officers and which require committee determination.

The Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, agreed to make interim appointments to two senior positions. Temitope Ademosu was appointed interim Strategic Director Stronger Communities, and Ian Billham was appointed interim Corporate Director Community Safety and Resilience. These appointments were made under the Council's Urgency Provisions on 2 September 2024.

The Council, on 21 May 2026, noted the persons elected as Councillors on 7 May 2026.

Cabinet, on 2 June 2026, agreed a procurement strategy to re-tender two housing repairs partner contracts. Authority was delegated to the Strategic Director of Place, in consultation with the Strategic Director of Resources and the Housing Portfolio Lead Member, to agree the final terms and conditions of these contracts.

Cabinet, on 2 June 2026, adopted the Residential Alterations and Retrofit Supplementary Planning Document. Authority was given to the Corporate Director of Regeneration, Planning & Strategic Property to make any necessary typographical or graphic amendments prior to publication. The existing Residential Extensions and Alterations Supplementary Planning Document was revoked upon adoption.

The Council of Waltham Forest approved the Scheme of Members' allowances for 2026-27 on 16 July 2026. The scheme agreed in February 2025 and February 2026 will remain in effect until at least 31 March 2027. This includes changes to Opposition Group Special Responsibility Allowances.

The Council of Waltham Forest agreed the minutes of the Annual meeting of Council held on 21 May 2026. The Council agreed the minutes on 16 July 2026.