This week in Havering:

Council Faces Scrutiny Over Audit Backlog and Overdue Recommendations

Havering Council's Audit Committee met on Tuesday 13 October 2026, facing a stark reality check on its progress in clearing a significant backlog of audit work. The committee heard from external auditors Ernst & Young LLP (EY) that the council's journey to regain unqualified audit opinions is projected to extend to the 2029-30 financial year. This lengthy timeline is a direct consequence of historic disclaimed audit opinions, meaning that for several years, the council's financial statements could not be fully verified.

A Long Road to Audit Assurance

Heather Salmon, Head of Finance, acknowledged that Havering faces a longer recovery than many authorities due to limited audit procedures being completed across multiple financial years. This has resulted in persistent assurance gaps, particularly concerning reserves, property, plant and equipment, and income and expenditure. While EY noted improvements in audit readiness and financial reporting, the council is currently performing in quartile two of London boroughs in terms of audit readiness.

Councillor Geoff Burgess raised concerns about overdue high-priority recommendations, with four in red and nine in orange status. The committee heard that while progress is being made, the overdue status is based on original implementation dates. The Audit Committee also reviewed the internal audit progress report, noting that only 15% of the original internal audit plan had been completed. Several high-priority recommendations remain overdue, primarily relating to temporary accommodation and budget management audits.

The lack of mandatory fraud and anti-bribery training completion, especially within the People directorate, drew strong criticism from Councillor Luke Barry, Chair of the committee. He labelled it an organisational issue and a cultural issue that requires urgent attention. Kathy Freeman, Strategic Director of Resources, acknowledged the unacceptability of these figures and outlined ongoing efforts to improve compliance. The committee agreed to note the reports and observations, but the extended timeline for audit completion and the number of overdue recommendations highlight significant challenges ahead for the council's financial governance.

Details of the Audit Committee meeting can be found here.

Cabinet Approves Lane Rental Scheme to Tackle Roadwork Chaos

Havering Council's Cabinet met on Wednesday 14 October 2026 and gave the green light to a new lane rental scheme designed to reduce disruption from roadworks. The scheme, which has received approval from the Secretary of State for Transport, will charge utility companies and contractors for occupying busy roads during peak hours. The aim is to encourage more efficient working practices, minimise inconvenience for residents, and reinvest the generated funds into vital highway maintenance and improvement projects.

Encouraging Efficiency, Funding Repairs

Councillor Alex Sibley, Cabinet Member for Highways, presented the report, stating the scheme's purpose is to encourage utility companies to get in, get the job done and get out again, particularly on our busiest roads and at our busiest times. This initiative directly addresses resident frustration over prolonged roadworks and the impact on daily commutes and local businesses.

While the scheme is designed to incentivise efficiency, concerns were raised about oversight and the specific targets for measuring disruption reduction. Councillor Sibley assured the Cabinet that an annual report would be provided, and the scheme would operate as an overlay to the existing permit system. The funds generated are earmarked for highway maintenance, a critical need highlighted by recent road conditions across the borough. This decision represents a proactive step towards improving Havering's road network and reducing the daily impact of disruptive works on residents.

Details of the Cabinet meeting can be found here.

Extra Care and Reablement Services Secured for Vulnerable Residents

In a move to ensure continuity of care for Havering's most vulnerable residents, the Cabinet also approved extensions to contracts for Extra Care and Reablement services at its meeting on Wednesday 14 October 2026. These decisions will maintain vital support for individuals needing assistance to live independently and recover after hospital stays.

Ensuring Continuity of Care

The contract for Extra Care and Support with Care-Away Limited t/a Care Support has been extended until 30 November 2028. This ensures continued 24-hour on-site care, emergency response, and wellbeing services for residents at Draywood Court, Paines Brook Court, and St Ethelburga Court. Councillor Graham Day, Cabinet Member for Adults & Health Care, highlighted the provider's strong performance and the importance of stability for residents. The extension also allows for a broader review of the extra care model to ensure it meets future demands and provides value for money.

Furthermore, the Reablement contract with ECL Trading Ltd has been extended for 12 months, from 1 April 2027 to 31 March 2028, at a cost of over £2.5 million. This extension includes an increase in core delivery hours and funding for an additional Occupational Therapy Assistant. Councillor Day emphasised the critical role of reablement in helping individuals regain independence after hospital discharge, stating, re-enablement gives the person that help to make them get back on their feet. This ensures that vital support continues while a full recommissioning exercise is undertaken.

Details of the Cabinet meeting can be found here.

New Dwellings Approved in Romford Amidst Parking and Amenity Concerns

The Planning Committee met on Thursday 15 October 2026 and approved several planning applications, including new residential developments in Romford. While the committee aims to increase housing supply, some decisions were made despite resident concerns about parking, privacy, and the impact on local amenity.

Four New Homes Approved at Dorset Avenue

Permission was granted for four new residential dwellings on land to the rear of 37 Dorset Avenue, Romford. The development, which involves demolishing the existing property at number 37, will provide a mix of two and three-bedroom homes. Case officer Victoria Collins noted that the development would contribute to the borough's housing supply and optimise land use. While neighbours raised concerns about privacy, overlooking, and increased traffic, officers concluded that adequate separation distances and careful siting would prevent significant harm. The application was approved by four votes to nil, subject to conditions.

Two New Flats Approved Adjacent to Balgores Lane

The committee also approved the erection of a detached building for two flats on land adjacent to 107-109 Balgores Lane, Romford. Each flat will have one parking space. This application was called in by Councillor Christine Vickery due to concerns about overdevelopment, highway safety, and loss of privacy. Officers stated that the removal of existing garages would not result in a net loss of functional parking capacity, as they were primarily used for storage. A legal agreement will restrict future occupiers from obtaining parking permits in the Controlled Parking Zone to mitigate local parking stress. The committee approved the application with conditions, including one regarding Biodiversity Net Gain¹.

Porch Retention Approved at Shepherds Hill

Retrospective permission was granted for a front porch at 91 Shepherds Hill, Romford. The application was called in due to concerns about the accuracy of submitted drawings. While the porch's facade had been altered and its height increased slightly, officers concluded that its small scale meant it was not detrimental to the Green Belt or the character of the area. The committee voted to approve the application, subject to conditions.

Highway Land to be Stopped Up for Affordable Housing Development

The committee authorised the stopping up of highway land at Chippenham Road, Heaton Ward. This action is necessary to enable a development of 138 affordable housing units, which has a resolution to grant planning permission. The legal advisor explained that the stopping up of the highway is required as the approved development would encroach onto the existing public highway. The committee approved the stopping up order, subject to the grant of planning permission for the housing development and the applicant covering all associated costs.

Details of the Planning Committee meeting can be found here.

Other Matters

The Local Pension Board was scheduled to meet on Tuesday 13 October 2026 to discuss updates on pensions administration, the draft investment strategy statement, and reviews of fund breaches, complaints, and communication plans.

The Schools Funding Forum was scheduled to meet on Thursday 15 October 2026 to discuss the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), including schools block funding for the upcoming academic year, and the de-delegation of services for maintained schools.

This week in Havering:

Late-Night Alcohol Sales for Hornchurch Bar Sparks Public Nuisance Concerns

The Licensing Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider an application to extend the operating hours for alcohol sales and entertainment at Frankie's Wine Bar in Hornchurch. The proposal to allow sales until 2 am on Fridays and Saturdays has drawn significant objections from the Police and Environmental Health teams, who fear it will exacerbate public nuisance and crime.

Extending Hours, Extending Problems?

Frankie's Wine Bar, located at 29 Station Lane, Hornchurch, currently serves alcohol and plays music until 1 am on weekends. The application sought to push this to 2 am, a move that has raised red flags for local authorities. The Police are particularly concerned about the potential for increased alcohol-related crime and anti-social behaviour, citing a history of four violent incidents at the premises in the past two years. They argue that later dispersal times will strain already stretched policing resources.

Environmental Health shares these worries, highlighting that noise complaints from residents living above the bar have been an issue. Extending the hours, they contend, will only worsen noise pollution from patrons leaving the venue. The area is also subject to a cumulative impact policy¹, which means new licences or extended hours are generally refused unless exceptional circumstances are proven.

Applicant's Proposed Safeguards

In response to these concerns, the applicant has proposed a raft of new conditions. These include:

• Deploying door supervisors until 2:30 am.
• Implementing a no late admission policy after midnight.
• Developing a customer dispersal policy to manage noise and behaviour.
• Providing enhanced staff training on licensing objectives.
• Ensuring a Personal Licence Holder is on duty until closing.

The applicant's agent, Edward Charles Chaplin, argues the extension is modest and necessary for business viability, highlighting the bar's award-winning status and mature clientele. Three residents have also submitted letters of support, praising the venue's management and safety. However, the objections from responsible authorities carry significant weight, particularly within a cumulative impact zone.

The decision on this application will directly impact the late-night atmosphere in Hornchurch and the council's ability to manage noise and disorder.

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

New Bistro in Hornchurch Faces Scrutiny Over Late-Night Refreshments

The Licensing Sub-Committee was also scheduled to consider a premises licence application for Black Loom, a new lounge-style bistro at 51 Butts Green Road, Hornchurch. The application sought permission for late-night refreshment until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, and alcohol sales until 11 pm on weekends.

Balancing Business with Residential Amenity

While the applicant, Mr Tasawar Ameen, has agreed to numerous conditions to mitigate potential issues, including seated alcohol consumption only and robust CCTV, three local residents have raised objections. Their concerns centre on public nuisance, crime and disorder, and the protection of children, particularly given the proximity of residential properties. They have pointed to previous licensing decisions in the area, suggesting that similar concerns about residential amenity should lead to earlier closing times.

The committee was scheduled to review the proposed conditions, which include measures to minimise noise from customers leaving the premises and during deliveries, and to ensure windows and doors are closed after 9 pm to reduce public nuisance. The outcome of this application will affect the late-night offering in this part of Hornchurch and the council's approach to balancing new business ventures with the peace of local residents.

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

Council Considers Appointment of New Director of Finance

The Appointments Sub Committee was scheduled to meet to consider the appointment of a new Director of Finance. This is a critical role, responsible for overseeing the council's financial health and strategy, which directly impacts the delivery of all public services. The meeting was to consider a report containing exempt information¹, meaning its contents were not made public.

The appointment of a senior finance officer is vital for ensuring sound financial management, which underpins the council's ability to fund essential services for residents, particularly vulnerable groups who rely on council support. The process for appointing such a key position is designed to be rigorous, ensuring the best candidate is selected to safeguard public funds.

Details of the Appointments Sub Committee meeting can be found here.

Other Matters

The Strategic Planning Committee was scheduled to meet, but no details of its agenda were available.

The Licensing Sub-Committee was also scheduled to consider an application to vary a premises licence for Frankie's Wine Bar in Hornchurch. The application sought an extension to the hours for the supply of alcohol and recorded music on Fridays and Saturdays. This meeting was scheduled to consider representations from interested parties and responsible authorities.

The Joint Health Overview & Scrutiny Committee meeting was postponed.

This week in Havering:

Pension Fund Boosts Local Investment Ambitions with New Strategy

The Pensions Committee met on Tuesday 29 September 2026, making key decisions that could see a significant portion of the Havering Pension Fund's investments directed towards local projects. The committee approved an updated draft Investment Strategy Statement for consultation, which includes a new approach to local investment with a target allocation of up to 10%. This move, while potentially offering substantial benefits to the borough, also raises questions about how local will be defined and managed to ensure genuine community impact.

A Push for Local Investment

The revised Investment Strategy Statement (ISS) reflects new regulations for the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) and introduces a specific objective for local investment. The committee agreed to explore opportunities within the London CIV pool area, setting a maximum allocation of up to 10% for suitable projects. This could include investments in housing, social housing, employment initiatives, and infrastructure within the borough and the wider London area.

Councillor Liz Tyler voiced concerns about the definition of local investment, questioning the potential for political influence. However, representatives from London CIV explained that a new LGPS Senior Officer role will be established to oversee engagement with the pool and advise the committee, aiming to ensure investments align with local priorities and robust investment cases.

The potential for local investments to generate a lower financial return, while offering significant social benefits, was also discussed. The committee is exploring whether to articulate this in the strategy,

This week in Havering:

Council's £2 Billion Contracts Register Scrutinised: AI and ICT Disaggregation Take Centre Stage

The Overview & Scrutiny Board met on Thursday 24 September 2026 to examine the council's extensive contracts register, valued at nearly £2 billion. The meeting also delved into the implications of disaggregating ICT services and the potential impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on council operations. These discussions are crucial for ensuring public money is spent wisely and that services are modernised effectively, with potential benefits for all residents, particularly those who rely on council services.

A Deep Dive into the Council's Contracts

The council's contracts register, as of September 4, 2026, revealed a staggering total value of £1,986,022,890, with an annual spend of £244,183,304. The Resources directorate manages the largest number of contracts, with 102. Among the top contracts are a £800 million Development Management Agreement with Wates Property Services Ltd and a £203 million Highways Term Contract with Marlborough Highways Limited.

The Board reviewed nearly £277 million worth of contracts set to expire within the next 18 months, including a significant contract for temporary agency resources with Adecco UK Limited, due to end in July 2027. The report highlighted the importance of robust contract management, with monitoring meetings and key performance indicator reviews in place for the largest contracts. An aspiration to develop a central framework for contract management principles was noted, aiming for greater consistency and efficiency.

It was also clarified that some social care services might not appear on the main register due to specific procurement methods, such as individual placements or Dynamic Purchasing Systems. This detail is important for understanding the full scope of the council's spending on essential services.

Bringing ICT Services Back In-House

The Board received an update on the disaggregation of ICT services from Onesource, a shared service organisation. This move aims to give Havering Council greater control over its IT infrastructure, aligning it more closely with the borough's specific needs. The objective was to achieve IT sovereignty by December 2025, involving the separation of IT teams, cloud technologies, and the modernisation of infrastructure.

This complex transformation was reportedly delivered on time and under budget, repurposing a £7 million budget and returning £12 million in capital. Lessons learned from this process, such as the importance of early issue discovery and consistent communication, will be valuable for future projects, potentially leading to more efficient and responsive digital services for residents.

Exploring the Power of Artificial Intelligence

A presentation explored the current and potential uses of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within Havering Council. AI was framed as a tool to enhance services, with a focus on improving financial resilience and resident-focused support. Six key areas for AI application were identified:

• Resident Access: Improving contact centre services.
• Casework & Drafting: Assisting with tasks like drafting Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
• Insight: Forecasting demand and identifying issues like housing voids.
• Staff & Service Quality: Using tools like Microsoft Copilot for drafting and transcription, reducing administrative burdens.
• Transactional Services: Streamlining applications such as Blue Badges.
• Information Requests: Improving the retrieval of evidence for Freedom of Information (FOI) requests.

The council's policy on AI emphasises that humans remain accountable, evidence is gathered before scaling, and inclusivity is a core design principle. This cautious approach aims to ensure AI is used responsibly and ethically to benefit residents.

Shaping the Board's Work Programme

The Board also discussed its work programme for the 2026/27 municipal year. The aim is to focus scrutiny efforts on issues that matter most to residents and the council, ensuring resources are used effectively. Potential topics for future scrutiny include the use of agency staff and the Adults Commissioning Strategy.

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

Roseland News Licence Application Refused Amidst Concerns Over Street Drinking and Anti-Social Behaviour

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Monday 21 September 2026 to consider an application for a premises licence for Roseland News, located at 69 Farnham Road, Romford RM3 8XA. The application, made by Mr Ronakbhai Ashokbhai Patel, sought permission to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises. However, the application was refused due to significant concerns raised by the Licensing Authority and the Metropolitan Police regarding the potential for increased street drinking and anti-social behaviour in the Gooshays cumulative impact zone.

Impact on Cumulative Impact Zone

Roseland News is situated within an area already identified as having a cumulative impact, meaning the concentration of licensed premises is believed to be contributing to problems such as crime, disorder, and public nuisance. The Licensing Authority's representation highlighted that the number and density of off-licences in the vicinity were already negatively impacting the licensing objectives. The Police echoed these concerns, specifically noting the potential for the sale of high-strength alcohol and single containers to fuel street drinking.

Proposed Conditions and Resident Objections

To address these concerns, the Police proposed conditions including limiting the alcohol content of beers, lagers, stouts, and ciders to 6% ABV and requiring these, along with alcopops, to be sold in multi-packs of no less than four. They also suggested measures to prevent customers from congregating outside the premises. An interested party also submitted a representation objecting to the application, citing concerns about public nuisance, crime and disorder, and the protection of children, particularly due to the proximity of a library frequented by families.

The Sub-Committee's decision will have a direct impact on the availability of alcohol in the area and the council's efforts to manage the cumulative impact of licensed premises, aiming to protect residents from the negative consequences of alcohol-related issues.

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