This week in Havering:

Local Pension Board Reviews Financial Health and Administration Performance

The Local Pension Board met on Tuesday 14 April 2026 to scrutinise the performance of the council's pension fund administration and review key decisions made by the Pensions Committee. The meeting provided a detailed look at the third quarter's pension administration performance and feedback on investment strategies, offering insights into how your pension contributions are being managed.

Pensions Administration Update: A Deep Dive into Q3 Performance

The board received a comprehensive update on the administration of the Local Pensions Partnership Administration (LPPA) for October to December 2025. This report, available here, detailed the LPPA's performance against crucial Service Level Agreements (SLAs).

Key performance indicators highlighted included:

• Casework Completion: The LPPA achieved a 98.7% success rate in completing pension cases within target timescales, exceeding the 95% goal. This is vital for ensuring members receive their pension entitlements promptly.
• Retirement Satisfaction: While a limited number of members responded to surveys, satisfaction levels for active retirements stood at 63.6%, and for deferred retirements at 42.9%. This feedback is crucial for identifying areas where the member experience can be improved.
• Contact Centre Efficiency: The average wait time for the contact centre was 3 minutes and 9 seconds, well within the 4-minute target. Customer satisfaction in this area was reported at 69.2%.
• Complaints Handling: Two complaints were received in Q3, with one case being upheld. This indicates a generally low complaint rate, but the thorough handling of upheld complaints is essential for maintaining trust.
• Data Quality: Common data accuracy was reported at 98.2%, and scheme-specific data accuracy at 93.2%. High data quality is fundamental for accurate pension calculations and administration.

The report also touched upon ongoing projects, including the McCloud Remedy, which faced some challenges, and the successful connection to the Pensions Dashboard. Updates on the Efficiency and Service Improvement Programme (ESIP) indicated new features for members and employers, aiming to streamline pension management.

Pensions Committee Feedback: Investment Strategy and Funding

The board also received feedback from the Pensions Committee meeting on 17 March 2026. This included a significant update on the 2025 Actuarial Valuation, which showed a substantial improvement in the fund's funding level, rising from 80% in March 2022 to 101% in March 2025. This positive development is largely attributed to more optimistic assumptions about future investment returns.

The committee also formally approved the 2026 Funding Strategy Statement (FSS) and a draft 2026 Investment Strategy Report. The revised investment strategy involves an increase in allocations to Private Equity and Property/Real Estate, and a decrease in Other Alternatives and Credit. This strategic shift aims to optimise returns while managing risk.

Fund performance for the quarter ending 31 December 2025 saw the asset value increase by £22.5 million to £1,118.9 million. However, the fund's quarterly return of 2.04% lagged behind both tactical and strategic benchmarks. Over a 12-month period, the fund achieved a return of 9.45%, outperforming the strategic benchmark but not the tactical one.

The committee also reviewed the 2025 Voting and Engagement Report, which showed that managers continued to exercise over 99% of voting rights, with a focus on climate, social responsibility, and supply-chain issues. Discussions also covered upcoming legislative changes, including requirements for an LGPS Senior Officer and an Independent Person.

Details of the Local Pension Board meeting can be found here.

Other Matters

Audit Committee Meeting

The Audit Committee met on Tuesday 14 April 2026. Further details on this meeting will be provided in future updates as information becomes available.

Details of the Audit Committee meeting can be found here.

This week in Havering:

The Drink Cellar's Licence Revoked: A Warning on Responsibility and Due Diligence

The Licensing Sub-Committee made a decisive move this week, revoking the premises licence for The Drink Cellar at 59 Chippenham Road, Romford, RM3 8HL. This decision, reached on Tuesday 7 April 2026, sends a clear message about the importance of responsible alcohol sales and the severe consequences of neglecting due diligence.

The review of the licence, prompted by concerns over poor supervision and bad practice, highlighted a worrying period where the premises appeared to be operating without clear oversight. Mr. Sally Maiden, the former owner and Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS), admitted to trusting the buyer, Mr. Gurmeet Singh, to handle the licence transfer, resulting in a 14-month period where the licence remained in Mr. Maiden's name without his active management. This lapse in responsibility allowed for a situation where, as witnessed by a council officer, a single can of high-strength alcohol was sold to an individual without any checks, even after the staff member had been explicitly told that sales might be unlawful.

Representations from the Metropolitan Police and the Home Office Immigration Enforcement Team underscored the severity of the situation. PC Chris Stockton stated the police had no confidence in the venue being able to uphold the licence and objectives, citing the irresponsible sale of alcohol and the potential for illegal working. Mr. Raj Handel from the Home Office echoed these concerns, recommending revocation due to previous dealings with individuals linked to the business who had faced penalties for using illegal workers.

The committee's decision to revoke the licence was based on the cumulative impact zone considerations, the sale of high-strength alcohol, and the overall undermining of the licensing objectives. This outcome directly impacts the availability of alcohol sales at this specific location and serves as a stark reminder to all licence holders of their legal obligations to ensure public safety and prevent crime and disorder.

Details of the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting can be found here.

Transfer of Licence for The Drink Cellar Refused Amidst Concerns of Proxy Control

In a related decision on Tuesday 7 April 2026, the Licensing Sub-Committee also decided not to grant the application to transfer the premises licence and vary the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) for The Drink Cellar. This refusal further solidifies the council's stance on ensuring genuine control and accountability within licensed premises.

The application was for Ms. Hashveen Kaur Hackimzada to become the new DPS. However, objections were raised by the Metropolitan Police due to concerns about the proposed DPS's suitability and the potential for a transfer by proxy. PC Chris Stockman highlighted that the contact details provided for Ms. Hackimzada appeared to belong to her father, Mr. Gherman Singh Hackimzada, whose own premises licence was revoked in 2018. The police questioned Ms. Hackimzada's ability to exercise genuine day-to-day control, given she resides approximately 60 miles away and currently works part-time elsewhere.

While Ms. Hackimzada explained her father was guiding her due to his experience and that she intended to dedicate herself full-time to the business, the committee remained unconvinced. The lack of direct experience and the reliance on her father's guidance, coupled with the previous licence revocation of her father, led to the decision to refuse the application. This refusal means the premises cannot operate under the proposed new licence holder, reinforcing the council's commitment to upholding the licensing objectives.

Details of the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting can be found here.

This week in Havering:

Council's Build to Rent Scheme Approved Despite Scrutiny Over Risk and Delivery

Havering Council's Overview & Scrutiny Board met on Wednesday 25 March 2026 to discuss a controversial build to rent scheme, ultimately voting not to uphold a call-in of a recent Cabinet decision. This means the council can proceed with a 40-year nominations agreement with Inspired Solutions for up to 600 new homes, a decision that has raised significant questions about financial risk and the developer's track record.

The scheme aims to tackle the council's reliance on expensive temporary accommodation (TA) by providing new private rented homes. However, councillors expressed concerns about the 40-year commitment, the lack of a formal procurement process, and whether the projected savings of up to £580 million over four decades are realistic. Officers argued that the scheme offers significant cost avoidance compared to current TA expenditure, but acknowledged that only the first 71 units would directly offset TA costs, with further savings dependent on other housing projects.

Inspired Solutions, a company formed in 2020, presented its model, highlighting its ability to secure cabinet approval in another local authority and nearing contract finalisation for 229 homes. However, some councillors felt the decision-making process was rushed, with insufficient time for scrutiny. Concerns were also raised about the potential for concentrated high-needs households and how these would be managed.

Despite these reservations, the Overview & Scrutiny Board's vote resulted in a five-all tie. The Chair, Councillor Laurance Garrard, used his casting vote to not uphold the requisition, allowing the Cabinet's decision to proceed immediately. This decision will have a direct impact on the council's ability to house vulnerable residents and manage its housing stock, with the potential for significant long-term financial implications.

Details of the Overview & Scrutiny Board meeting can be found here.

Angel Way Car Park Demolition and Redevelopment Approved, Sparking Debate on Safety and Affordability

The Strategic Planning Committee met on Thursday 26 March 2026 and approved the demolition of the Angel Way multi-storey car park in Romford and its redevelopment into two residential blocks comprising 106 flats and a commercial unit. The decision, made by a vote of three to two with one abstention, was met with strong opposition from ward councillors concerned about safety, affordable housing, and the impact on local heritage.

Councillor Joshua Chapman, who called in the application, argued that the development's enclosed nature could exacerbate safety issues for women and girls, forcing them to take longer routes. He also criticised the lack of affordable housing, stating, Mercury Land Holdings is the council. This council needs affordable housing. Councillor David Taylor echoed these concerns, adding that the proposal did not align with the Romford Masterplan, particularly regarding flood mitigation and the de-culverting of the River Rom. He also highlighted objections from the Romford Civic Society and concerns about the impact on the setting of St. Edward the Confessor Church.

Despite these objections, the committee was advised that the development offered significant benefits, including the demolition of an unattractive car park, improved pedestrian access, and a substantial biodiversity net gain. The officer noted that while the Romford Masterplan SPD recommends four to six stories, the proposed eight-story buildings were considered acceptable due to the context of emerging taller developments nearby. The lack of affordable housing was attributed to viability issues, a position supported by an independent assessment.

The approval, subject to conditions and obligations, means that the current car park will be replaced by new homes, but questions remain about whether the development adequately addresses the safety and affordability concerns raised by residents and their representatives.

Details of the Strategic Planning Committee meeting can be found here.

This week in Havering:

• The Overview & Scrutiny Board met to discuss corporate HR metrics, agency worker usage, and the council's commercial strategy, noting improvements in sickness absence and a reduction in agency worker spend.
• The Council meeting saw debates on constitutional changes, the pay policy statement, and several motions, including discussions on library closures and parking enforcement.
• The Licensing Sub-Committee meeting was cancelled.
• The Licensing Sub-Committee met to consider an expedited review of The Chequers public house licence, ultimately suspending it pending a full review due to concerns about serious crime and disorder.
• The Pensions Committee was scheduled to meet to discuss the 2025 Actuarial Valuation Report, the 2026 Investment Strategy Report, and pension fund performance.

Overview & Scrutiny Board - Tuesday 17 March 2026

The Overview & Scrutiny Board convened on Tuesday 17 March 2026, addressing a range of corporate and HR-related matters. Key decisions included noting improvements in sickness absence rates and a reduction in agency worker spend. The board also discussed the council's commercial strategy and reviewed its own effectiveness.

Corporate HR Metrics and Wellbeing

The board received an update on Havering's sickness absence rates, which have shown a continued downward trend, with average sick days falling from 10.8 to 10.2 days per employee. Mental health-related absence remains the primary cause, consistent with London trends. Havering also sits below the London average for the cost of sickness absence. The annual wellbeing report for 2025 highlighted increased demand for wellbeing support, with mental health, musculoskeletal issues, and personal stressors being the leading reasons for referrals to occupational health and employee assistance programmes. Employee assistance programme usage rose significantly, with colleagues seeking help for stress, anxiety, depression, and work-related pressures. Looking ahead, budget constraints for 2026 will necessitate a focus on sustainable, low-cost interventions and improved collaboration. Members raised several points regarding the HR metrics, including the high number of occupational health referrals and the measurement of one-day absences. The council confirmed it is reviewing its sickness data and exploring ways to improve manager support and data analysis.

Agency Workers

The board discussed the council's spend on agency workers, noting a reduction of £1.464 million (22.74%) in the last three months of 2025 compared to the same period in the previous year. The primary reason for engaging agency staff remains project or additional work (66.99%), with sickness/absence cover being a low driver. Concerns were raised about the number of agency workers employed for over two years (114) and those earning above £75,000 (67). The council is reviewing its workforce strategy to attract more local senior talent and is exploring alternative models, such as statement of works, to manage project-based needs more effectively. The possibility of setting up an in-house agency, similar to Haringey Council's model, was also discussed.

Commercial Strategy Update

An update on the council's Commercial Strategy, published in September 2024 and running until 2029, was presented. The strategy aims to embed a commercial mindset across all council services to enhance financial sustainability and service efficiency. Key areas of focus include developing a shared commercial culture, building commercial capability through training, and improving communication. A Commercial Awareness Resource Bank has been launched to provide guidance and support. Members questioned the lack of immediate direct financial implications stated in the report, with officers explaining that current financial systems make it difficult to aggregate income generated by individual services at a council level. A practical example was given of how the education services department had developed procurement frameworks for schools, generating income that is reinvested into further developing those frameworks.

Response to Call-in: Former Library Sites

The board received the Cabinet's response to its call-in regarding future proposals for former library sites. While some sites, like Gideon Park, are confirmed to proceed, the situation regarding Harold Wood Library and South Holland Church remains under negotiation. Members expressed dissatisfaction with the clarity of Cabinet's responses and recommended seeking further clarification, particularly regarding separate recorded decisions for each site and the presentation of business plans before disposal.

Self-Evaluation of Board's Work 2025/26

The board reviewed its work over the past year, drawing on findings from a survey and internal reflections. Key areas for improvement identified included the length of tenure for board members, the need for a formal working protocol between Cabinet and Scrutiny, and the importance of timely training and support for officers. The potential benefits and risks of using AI in scrutiny were debated, with a recommendation to explore its use further. The board also considered the importance of engaging more with residents and partners. Recommendations were made to provide scrutiny reports with more advance notice, to improve the clarity and format of Cabinet's responses, and to explore the use of AI for data analysis and report summarisation.

Council - Wednesday 18 March 2026

The Havering Council meeting on 18 March 2026 saw debates and votes on various council matters, including changes to the constitution, the pay policy statement, and several motions. Key discussions revolved around the future of local libraries, with multiple amendments and a substantive motion ultimately failing to pass. The council also addressed concerns regarding parking enforcement and road maintenance.

Contract Procedure Rules Adopted

The Council adopted new Contract Procedure Rules for 2025, replacing the 2016 rules. This decision was agreed by 32 votes to 5, with 11 abstentions.

Constitution Changes Approved

A report detailing changes and updates to the Council's Constitution, including amendments to Access to Information Procedure Rules and Committee Procedure Rules concerning the Pensions Committee, was approved. This was also agreed by 32 votes to 5, with 11 abstentions.

Pay Policy Statement 2026/27 Approved

The Council's Pay Policy Statement for 2026/27, which outlines the remuneration of chief officers and the lowest-paid employees, was approved by 34 votes to 4, with 10 abstentions.

Council Meeting Dates for 2026/27 Agreed

The proposed dates for Council meetings during the 2026/27 municipal year were agreed without division. It was also resolved that changes to meeting dates would be determined by the Mayor in consultation with Group Leaders.

Overview and Scrutiny Rules Noted

A report detailing urgent key decisions that had been granted an exemption from the scrutiny call-in procedure was noted by the Council without division.

Members' Questions Addressed

A total of fifteen questions were asked by councillors, covering topics including the financial implications of withdrawing from the Greater London Authority, changes to housing legislation, parking enforcement, council expenses, highway schemes, speed limits, legacy landfill sites, penalty charge notices, moving traffic violations, litter bin emptying, tree cover, planning enforcement, and funding for parks.

Cost of Withdrawing from the Greater London Authority

Councillor Michael White asked about the services that would be lost and the financial impact on Havering if it withdrew from the Greater London Authority (GLA). Councillor Ray Morgon, Leader of the Council, stated that it would be very difficult to accurately calculate the impact without knowing the precise terms of any split. He highlighted potential losses in areas such as Freedom Pass benefits and the future of TfL bus routes. He also noted that emergency services like policing and fire would need to be provided by a new Essex Mayoral Authority, with no guarantee of cost or decision-making involvement. Councillor Morgon agreed that this was a risk too far.

Information to Residents Regarding Changes to Housing Legislation

Councillor Jane Keane inquired about plans to inform residents about changes under the Renters' Rights Act 2025. Councillor Natasha Summers, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Housing Need, outlined the council's promotional efforts for the licensing scheme and noted that the government would provide information on the Renters' Rights Act. The council's website also offered advice to landlords. Further communications were expected from both the council and the government.

Enforcement over Parking on Grass Verges

Councillor Martin Goode asked about enforcement measures against motorists persistently driving over or parking on grass verges. Councillor Barry Mugglestone, Cabinet Member for Environment and Deputy Mayor, explained that parking enforcement officers actively address this, initially sending a letter and potentially considering bollards if the issue persists.

Council Expenses

Councillor Keith Prince questioned the miscoding of recruitment and workforce supplier payments as telephone expenses. Councillor Ray Morgon confirmed that £262,000 of agency costs were incorrectly coded and had since been corrected.

Update on Highway Schemes

Councillor Jason Frost sought an update on delays to junction protection lines and parking restrictions. Councillor Barry Mugglestone provided details on the expected completion timelines for these schemes, apologising for delays and offering follow-up meetings.

Speed Limits in St Alban's Ward

Councillor Judith Holt asked about measures to ensure more regular monitoring of speed limits. Councillor Barry Mugglestone explained that collision data did not currently support targeted engineering measures, but speeds would be monitored, and the Metropolitan Police would be engaged if a speeding issue was identified.

Legacy Landfill Report

Councillor Matt Stanton asked about additional steps the council planned to take following a report on legacy landfills. Councillor Barry Mugglestone stated that the council's approach would be addressed in an updated Contaminated Land Inspection Strategy, with prioritisation based on risk and available resources.

Penalty Charge Notices

Councillor Nisha Patel requested data on Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) issued and appeal success rates. Councillor Barry Mugglestone provided figures for 2024/25 and noted that 2025/26 data would be published in September 2026. A supplementary question regarding a £7 million increase in enforcement costs was deferred for discussion via email.

Moving Traffic Violations Albert Road/Victoria Road

Councillor Jane Keane raised concerns about moving traffic violations. Councillor Barry Mugglestone explained that a 'no right turn' order was in place, enforced by an MTC camera, and that collision data did not indicate an immediate road safety issue. He suggested raising a validation request for officers to conduct a detailed review.

Emptying of Litter Bins, Town Centre

Councillor Judith Holt questioned how the council would ensure timely emptying of litter bins. Councillor Barry Mugglestone outlined the scheduled emptying process, additional monitoring, and a 24-hour response to reports of overflowing bins.

Tree Cover in Havering

Councillor Trevor McKeever asked about measures to restore and grow tree cover. Councillor Barry Mugglestone stated that 41 street trees would be planted this season, with a focus on preserving existing stock and seeking external funding. He also highlighted the launch of a tree warden scheme and a £100,000 grant from Thames Chase.

Planning Enforcement, North Street, Romford

Councillor Joshua Chapman inquired about actions taken regarding a car dealership operating without planning permission. Councillor Graham Williamson, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, confirmed that an enforcement notice had been served and, following a dismissed appeal, compliance was required by March 2026.

Funding for Parks

Councillor David Taylor asked about alternative funding for parks officers. Councillor Barry Mugglestone confirmed that UK Shared Prosperity Fund funding could be carried over and that officers would investigate alternative streams. He also highlighted Havering's 16 Green Flag parks and efforts to secure additional parks officers.

Financial Support for Road Maintenance

Councillor David Taylor asked if the council had sought additional financial support from the GLA for road maintenance due to increased traffic from the Gallows Corner works. Councillor Barry Mugglestone stated that claims for reinstatement works would be submitted to TfL once completed, and that work was underway to gather evidence to support compensation claims.

Motions for Debate

Libraries Motion (9A)

A motion proposing a halt to plans to dispose of Harold Wood, Gidea Park, and South Hornchurch libraries was debated alongside amendments. Both the Conservative and Labour amendments were not agreed, and the original motion was subsequently not agreed by 24 votes to 5, with 3 abstentions.

Tax Rises Motion (9B)

A motion condemning recent government tax changes impacting pubs and small businesses was amended by the Labour Group. The amended motion, calling for future changes to be proportionate and balanced, was agreed by 6 votes to 3, with 23 abstentions.

Cross-Party Commitment to SEND Provision (9C)

A motion by the Labour Group to adopt a cross-party guarantee for planned SEND expansion, safeguarding funding, and committing to a multi-year plan was agreed by 31 votes to 0, with one abstention.

Protecting Havering's Community Assets (9D)

A motion by the Labour Group to adopt a cross-party Community Assets Protection Charter was not agreed by 21 votes to 8, with 3 abstentions.

Local Plan – List of Sites (9E)

A motion requesting the list of sites submitted in the Call for Sites be made available as a confidential document was agreed.

Licensing Sub-Committee - Thursday 19 March 2026

The Licensing Sub-Committee meeting scheduled for Thursday 19 March 2026 was cancelled.

Licensing Sub-Committee - Tuesday 17 March 2026

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Tuesday 17 March 2026 to consider an expedited review of the premises licence for The Chequers public house. The committee decided to suspend the licence with immediate effect pending a full review, following concerns raised by the police about serious crime and disorder at the premises.

The Chequers Public House Licence Suspended

The Licensing Sub-Committee has suspended the premises licence for The Chequers, located at 121 North Street, Hornchurch, with immediate effect. This decision was made during an expedited review hearing held on Tuesday 17 March 2026, following an application by the Chief Officer of Police for Havering Borough. The police contended that serious crime and disorder occurred at the premises in the early hours of Wednesday 11 March 2026, and subsequent investigations revealed further licensing failures. The review was brought under Section 53A of the Licensing Act 2003¹, which allows for urgent consideration of premises licences when they are associated with serious crime or disorder. The committee considered the police's application for interim steps and found that the suspension of the licence was the most appropriate interim step to prevent further serious crime and disorder. The licence is suspended with immediate effect until the full review hearing.

Pensions Committee - Tuesday 17 March 2026

The Pensions Committee of Havering Council was scheduled to consider several key financial and strategic reports. These included the 2025 Actuarial Valuation Report, the 2026 Investment Strategy Report, and the Pension Fund Performance Monitoring for the fourth quarter of 2025. The committee was also set to review the 2025 Voting and Engagement Report and receive an update on the Fit for the Future initiative.

2025 Actuarial Valuation Report

A significant item on the agenda was the 2025 Actuarial Valuation Report¹. This report, along with associated documents including a Draft Final Valuation Report and the Funding Strategy Statement, would have provided an assessment of the financial health of the council's pension fund. Actuarial valuations are crucial for determining the long-term solvency of pension schemes and are typically conducted every three years. They inform decisions about contribution rates and the overall funding of pension liabilities.

2026 Investment Strategy Report

The committee was scheduled to review the 2026 Investment Strategy Report². This report, which included an update from ISS³, would have outlined the proposed approach to managing the pension fund's investments for the upcoming year. Investment strategies are designed to achieve the necessary returns to meet future pension obligations while managing risk.

Pension Fund Performance Monitoring Q4 2025 Report

The agenda also included the Pension Fund Performance Monitoring Q4 2025 Report⁴. This report would have provided an overview of how the pension fund's investments performed during the final quarter of 2025. It is a key document for assessing the effectiveness of the current investment strategy and identifying any areas requiring attention.

2025 Voting and Engagement Report

The committee was due to consider the 2025 Voting and Engagement Report⁵. This report would have detailed how the pension fund exercised its voting rights as a shareholder in companies and its engagement activities with those companies. Such reports are important for demonstrating the fund's commitment to responsible investment practices and influencing corporate behaviour on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues.

Fit for the Future Update

An update on the Fit for the Future initiative⁶ was also scheduled. This likely refers to a broader council strategy aimed at ensuring the long-term sustainability and efficiency of its services. The Pensions Committee's involvement would suggest a focus on how this initiative impacts the pension fund's operations and future planning.

People Overview & Scrutiny Sub Committee - Thursday 19 March 2026

The People Overview & Scrutiny Sub Committee was scheduled to consider reports on defibrillators in Havering and annual complaints and compliments. The meeting agenda also included the approval of previous minutes and a general announcement from the Chair.

Defibrillators in Havering

The committee was scheduled to review a report from Healthwatch Havering concerning the provision of defibrillators across the borough. This report, titled Defibrillators in Havering final report ¹, was expected to detail the current situation regarding these life-saving devices.

Annual Complaints and Compliments

A comprehensive report on annual complaints and compliments was also scheduled for discussion. This document, referred to as the Complaints Cover Report ², would likely provide an overview of feedback received by the council over the past year.

Approval of Minutes

The committee was due to approve the minutes from previous meetings held on 21 October 2025³, 6 November 2025⁴, and 13 January 2026⁵. The Chair of the meeting, Councillor Jason Frost⁶, was to be authorised to sign these as a correct record.

Chairman's Announcements

Councillor Jason Frost, as Chairman of the People Overview & Scrutiny Sub Committee, was scheduled to make announcements regarding arrangements in case of fire or other emergencies requiring evacuation of the meeting room or building.