This week in Havering:

Council Approves Better Care Fund Amidst Financial Scrutiny and Calls for Integration

Havering's Cabinet met on Wednesday 8 July 2026, approving a crucial Section 75 agreement with NHS North East London Integrated Care Board (ICB) to govern the delivery of the Better Care Fund (BCF) for 2026-27. This agreement is vital for jointly commissioning and funding health and social care services, aiming to help residents remain independent at home for longer, improve health outcomes, and reduce pressure on hospitals. The BCF for the upcoming year totals £40.9 million.

Councillor Graham Day, Cabinet Member for Adults and Health Care, emphasised the agreement's importance in ensuring lawful access to BCF resources and strengthening joint commissioning. He highlighted key priorities supported by the fund, such as hospital discharge, re-enablement, and assistive technology. Councillor Day also pointed to the critical financial state of Queen's Hospital, noting its significant daily losses and stressing the need for greater integration between the council and the hospital to prevent unnecessary admissions.

The discussion also touched upon the financial performance of the council, with Cabinet reviewing the Revenue and Capital Outturn Report for 2025/26. The report revealed a considerably better financial position than initially feared, with an underspend of £37.7 million against the exceptional financial support requirement. This improvement was attributed to stringent spending controls and effective financial management, including measures like a recruitment board for new appointments and tighter controls on expenditure.

However, concerns were raised by Councillor Martin Goode regarding the projected £500,000 saving from the BCF, which he expressed skepticism about. Councillor Day, drawing on personal experience, spoke about the need for parallel services and preventing falls in elderly residents, citing a successful initiative in Ireland. He also discussed potential savings through more efficient use of hoists for carers, though he acknowledged this was work in progress.

Councillor Matthew Stanton raised a pertinent question about fostering a workplace culture that recognises the wider system benefits of flexibility and prevention, rather than focusing solely on individual budget lines. Councillor Day agreed, stating, We're not just looking at the numbers and the cost of things, we're looking at the value of things, committing to a more holistic approach.

The meeting also noted the Capital Programme, which saw £135.353 million in expenditure in 2025/26. However, there was a significant variance of £28.368 million between forecast and outturn expenditure, largely due to slippage in several projects. The Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) reported an overspend of £32.235 million, primarily within the High Needs Block, due to rising numbers and complexity of children with Special Educational Needs (SEND).

Details of the Cabinet meeting can be found here.

Jewson Builders' Merchants Site Redevelopment Approved

The Strategic Planning Committee met on Thursday 9 July 2026 and approved a planning application for the redevelopment of the Jewson builders' merchants site at 307-309 South Street, St. Albans Ward. The decision allows for the demolition of existing buildings and the construction of a new, larger branch with expanded external storage facilities.

The application, reference P0867.25, was called in by a former ward councillor due to concerns about overlooking and noise pollution. The site is designated as a Locally Significant Industrial Site (LSIS), areas identified for industrial and logistical uses, and the redevelopment aims to improve the efficiency and capacity of the existing business, which is seen as a positive for local employment and the borough's economy.

Key aspects of the approved development include:

• Increased Floor Space: The new building will have a Gross Internal Area (GIA) of 2,520 square metres, a significant increase from the existing 1,107 square metres.
• Building Height: The maximum height of the proposed building will be 10.2 metres, an increase from the current 7.2 metres.
• External Storage: Existing ad-hoc external storage will be consolidated into a single, covered racking structure.
• Traffic Management: A one-way system will be implemented for site access and egress from Lyon Road.

During discussions, councillors raised questions about the impact of the increased building height on neighbouring properties in Dymoke Road. Officers explained that while the building would be noticeable, the separation distance and lack of direct overlooking windows would prevent significant loss of outlook or privacy. Concerns about the loss of trees were addressed by a scheme of 19 new trees along the northern boundary and 12 along the southern boundary.

Noise mitigation measures, including an acoustic fence and controlled hours of use and deliveries, were imposed as conditions. The Transport implications were also deemed acceptable, with a Delivery and Servicing Plan to be secured by condition. The application was approved subject to conditions and the prior completion of a legal agreement under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, which includes obligations for a Travel Plan, an Employment, Skills and Training scheme, and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirements.

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

Other Matters

People Overview & Scrutiny Sub Committee Meeting Cancelled

The People Overview & Scrutiny Sub Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday 7 July 2026 was cancelled.

This week in Havering:

Council Grapples with £68.9 Million Schools Deficit: High Needs Funding Under Strain

Havering's schools are facing a deepening financial crisis, with the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) for the 2025-26 financial year ending with a staggering deficit of £68.973 million. This marks the seventh consecutive year of a deficit, primarily driven by the escalating costs of supporting children with high needs, which are significantly outpacing allocated funding. While a statutory override allows the council to carry these deficits forward until March 2028 without impacting general reserves, the actual cash shortfall remains a critical concern for the borough's educational institutions.

The Schools Funding Forum met on Thursday 11 June 2026 to confront this pressing issue. They reviewed the provisional Section 251 budget statement for 2026-27, which details planned spending on schools, and analysed the revenue balances of Local Authority (LA) maintained schools. For the fifth year running, these balances have decreased, with an increase of £3.1 million in the total deficit position for maintained schools.

The High Needs Block is under immense pressure. Despite Havering's commitment to mainstream inclusion, the costs associated with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) support are soaring. While the borough is actively participating in the national SEND Reform Programme and has submitted a draft Local SEND Reform Plan, the Department for Education's focus is on local systems delivering better outcomes through earlier support, rather than increased funding. This means schools will need to find innovative ways to manage their budgets while ensuring vulnerable children receive the support they need.

The forum also discussed proposed dates for its meetings during the 2026-27 academic year, aiming to meet at least four times annually as required.

Details of the Schools Funding Forum meeting can be found here.

Poyntz Charity Faces Collapse: Trustees Needed Urgently

The Governance Committee met on Thursday 11 June 2026 and highlighted a critical situation facing the Poyntz Charity, which provides essential support for the poor and manages two almshouses in North Ockendon. The charity is currently unable to function due to a severe lack of active trustees and committee members. The position of Chair, traditionally held by the Parish Priest of St Mary Magdalene's, is vacant, and the resignation of the long-serving Secretary in December 2024 has left only one committee member with limited availability. This dire situation jeopardises the charity's ability to continue its vital work for vulnerable residents.

The committee also reviewed appointments to various external bodies for the 2026/27 municipal year, ensuring Havering Council is represented on organisations such as the CEME (Centre for Engineering & Manufacturing Excellence) and the East London Waste Authority. Recommendations were made for executive appointments to the Leader of the Council, while the committee itself considered non-executive appointments to a range of groups, including the Adoption & Permanency Panel and the Romford Town Management Partnership.

The committee was asked to ratify the continuation of the practice where all five of Havering Council's votes at the General Assembly of the Local Government Association are cast by the Leader of the Council. They also received a reminder of the Principles of conduct in public office, as set out in the Localism Act 2011, which guide councillors in their duties to ensure integrity and accountability.

Details of the Governance Committee meeting can be found here.

Iceland Foods Licence Variation Application Withdrawn

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Tuesday 30 June 2026 to consider an application to vary the premises licence for Iceland Foods Limited at 10 Farnham Road, Romford, RM3 8DX. The proposed variation would have extended the sale of alcohol for off-premises consumption to 24 hours a day.

The premises is located within the Gooshays Cumulative Impact Zone, an area identified as experiencing cumulative impact from licensed premises. The Licensing Authority had raised concerns that allowing 24-hour deliveries could undermine licensing objectives, particularly the prevention of crime and disorder and public nuisance, given the proximity to residential properties and known local issues.

However, at the start of the hearing, Iceland Foods Limited withdrew its application. As a result, no decision was made by the Sub-Committee.

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

Other Matters

Audit Committee Reviews Financial Plans and Governance

The Audit Committee met on Tuesday 30 June 2026 to review the council's financial plans and governance. Key discussions included:

• External Audit Plans 2025-26: The committee considered audit plans for the council and the Havering Pension Fund, noting ongoing efforts to rebuild audit assurance following previous disclaimed opinions on council accounts.
• Annual Treasury Management Report 2025/26: The report detailed borrowing and investment activities, highlighting that investment income was £4.4m and interest payable on debt was £22.2m. While treasury activities exceeded their investment benchmark, the report flagged potential future financing and affordability risks due to rising interest rates.
• Head of Assurance Annual Opinion 2025-26 & Internal Audit Plan Outturn: The Head of Assurance issued a Reasonable Assurance opinion on the internal control environment, an improvement from the previous year's Limited Assurance. Actions are being implemented to address identified weaknesses.
• Annual Governance Statement 2025/26: The draft statement highlighted four significant governance issues, including the delivery of a balanced budget and strengthening procurement governance.

Details of the Audit Committee meeting can be found here.

Appointments Sub Committee Considers Senior Role

The Appointments Sub Committee met on Tuesday 30 June 2026. The primary item on the agenda was the appointment to the post of Assistant Director, Children's Commissioning. Detailed reports relating to this appointment were provided to attendees but were designated as exempt information under the Local Government Act 1972, meaning they could not be shared publicly.

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

This week in Havering:

Licence Transfer Approved Despite Serious Concerns Over Past Violations

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Thursday 25 June 2026 and approved a premises licence for Drinks Direct, located at 59 Chippenham Road, Romford, RM3 8HL. This decision comes despite significant objections from the Licensing Authority, which highlighted a troubling history of licensing breaches associated with the applicant, Mr Ravinder Singh Grover.

The Licensing Authority's concerns were substantial, pointing to a previous licence revocation for the same premises under the name The Drinks Seller in April 2026. Furthermore, Mr Grover's past involvement with licensed premises included a licence review in Slough in 2012, where issues such as selling alcohol to underage persons, possession of counterfeit alcohol, and illegal workers were noted. A further licence revocation for Country Produce in Maldon in 2017, also linked to Mr Grover, involved the seizure of illegal alcohol and tobacco.

Concerns were also raised about the applicant's lawful right to occupy the premises, as the lease was assigned to a Mr Hakimzada, who had allegedly sub-let the property against the terms of the lease. These issues, particularly the history of serious violations and potential for illegal activity, raise questions about the council's commitment to upholding licensing objectives and protecting the community from the harms associated with irresponsible alcohol sales.

Despite these serious objections, the committee approved the application. The specific conditions attached to the licence were not detailed in the provided information, leaving residents to wonder what safeguards are now in place to prevent a repeat of past problems.

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

Planning Committee Approves Extensions Amidst Resident Objections

Havering's Planning Committee met on Thursday 25 June 2026 and made decisions on several planning applications, including extensions to residential properties. While officers recommended approval for these applications, some were called in by local councillors due to resident concerns, highlighting ongoing tensions between development and neighbourhood amenity.

14 Christchurch Avenue, Beam Park: Extension Approved Despite Concerns Over Bulk and Design

The committee granted planning permission for the reconstruction of a two-storey side extension at 14 Christchurch Avenue, RM13 8JB. This application was called in by Councillor Trevor McKeever due to concerns about the design, bulk, and mass of the proposed extension, and its potential impact on the street scene and neighbouring properties. An unauthorised extension on the site had previously led to an enforcement notice requiring its demolition.

Councillor McKeever argued that the revised scheme, which included a setback at the first floor and a hipped roof, did not fundamentally resolve the issues of bulk and dominance that led to previous refusals. Ms. Carol Baker, a member of the public, echoed these concerns, questioning whether the proposed changes adequately overcame the identified planning harm. The agent for the applicant, however, described a communal area being lost as dead space and suggested the changes would improve the living environment. Despite these objections, the committee voted to approve the application, with five votes in favour. Conditions were attached regarding materials and obscure glazing, but the core concerns about the extension's impact on the neighbourhood remain.

Greenways Court, Hornchurch: Variation of Condition Granted

Planning permission was granted for a variation of condition at Greenways Court, Estate Office, Butts Green Road, Hornchurch, RM11 2JL. The original permission allowed for the change of use of the estate office to a single residential unit. This application sought to alter the access to the unit, creating an independent entrance and increasing its usable floor space by utilising some of the communal area. The applicant is Councillor Sibley, which was the reason for the report being presented to the Planning Committee. No objections were received from neighbours or consultees.

92 Grosvenor Drive, Hornchurch: Rear Extension Approved

The committee also granted planning permission for a part single, part two-storey rear extension at 92 Grosvenor Drive, Hornchurch, RM11 1PW. This application was called in by former Councillor Christine Smith, who raised concerns about the loss of natural light, excessive overshadowing, and the potential for the extension to set a precedent due to its scale and impact on adjacent properties. The case officer's report concluded that the proposed development would not unacceptably impact the character of the vicinity or the amenity of adjacent residents. The committee resolved to grant planning permission, subject to conditions including the use of matching external materials.

Details of the Planning Committee meeting can be found here.

Religious Education Council Discusses National Developments and Syllabus Review

The Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) met on Tuesday 23 June 2026. The meeting focused on national developments in Religious Education (RE), updates on the agreed syllabus, and school activities.

National Developments in RE

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to national developments in RE. This included a review of new-style Ofsted reports and their mentions of RE, with concerns raised about its potential dilution into pastoral care. The council also considered a government policy paper on fostering community cohesion through RE and SACREs. Information was shared regarding grants for teaching Christianity in RE, and details of national conferences and awards were discussed. Plans for Inter Faith Week 2026 and upcoming training sessions were also on the agenda. Furthermore, a range of courses for teachers covering various religious and non-religious worldviews were presented.

Agreed Syllabus and School Activity Updates

The council was scheduled to receive an update on the agreed syllabus, likely involving discussions about its review process and the potential adoption of a Religion & World Views approach. An update on school activity was also planned, which would likely include information on teacher training days and how world views are being explored in RE.

The meeting also formally received minutes from previous meetings, which had not been quorate.

Details of the Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education meeting can be found here.

This week in Havering:

School Funding Crisis Deepens: Dedicated Schools Grant Faces Significant Deficit

Havering's schools are grappling with a worsening financial situation, as the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) for the 2025-26 financial year ended with a substantial deficit of £68.973 million. This marks the seventh consecutive year of a deficit, primarily driven by escalating costs associated with supporting children with high needs, which are outstripping the allocated funding. While a statutory override allows the council to carry these deficits forward without impacting general reserves until March 2028, this is a technical measure, and the actual cash shortfall remains a significant concern for the borough's educational institutions.

The Schools Funding Forum met on Thursday 11 June 2026 to discuss this critical issue, alongside other financial matters affecting local schools. The forum reviewed the provisional Section 251 budget statement for 2026-27, which outlines planned spending on schools, and analysed the revenue balances of Local Authority (LA) maintained schools. For the fifth year running, these balances have decreased, with an increase of £3.1 million in the total deficit position for maintained schools.

The High Needs Block, in particular, is under immense pressure. Despite Havering's commitment to mainstream inclusion, the costs associated with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) support are soaring. While the borough is actively participating in the national SEND Reform Programme and has submitted a draft Local SEND Reform Plan, the Department for Education's focus is on local systems delivering better outcomes through earlier support, rather than increased funding. This means schools will need to find innovative ways to manage their budgets while ensuring vulnerable children receive the support they need.

The forum also discussed proposed dates for its meetings during the 2026-27 academic year, aiming to meet at least four times annually as required.

Details of the Schools Funding Forum meeting can be found here.

Council Appointments and Charity Concerns Dominate Governance Committee Agenda

The Governance Committee met on Thursday 11 June 2026 to address a range of important administrative and governance matters, including appointments to external organisations and the critical situation of the Poyntz Charity.

Poyntz Charity Faces Uncertain Future

A significant concern raised was the precarious state of the Poyntz Charity, which provides benefits for the poor and manages two almshouses in North Ockendon. The charity is currently unable to meet due to a severe lack of active trustees and committee members. The position of Chair, traditionally held by the Parish Priest of St Mary Magdalene's, is vacant, and the resignation of the long-serving Secretary in December 2024 has left only one committee member with limited availability. This situation jeopardises the charity's ability to continue its vital work for vulnerable residents.

Appointments to External Organisations

The committee also reviewed appointments to various external bodies for the 2026/27 municipal year. This process ensures Havering Council is represented on organisations such as the CEME (Centre for Engineering & Manufacturing Excellence) and the East London Waste Authority. Recommendations were made for executive appointments to the Leader of the Council, while the committee itself considered non-executive appointments to a range of groups, including the Adoption & Permanency Panel and the Romford Town Management Partnership.

Voting Rights and Conduct Principles

The committee was asked to ratify the continuation of the practice where all five of Havering Council's votes at the General Assembly of the Local Government Association are cast by the Leader of the Council. They also received a reminder of the Principles of conduct in public office, as set out in the Localism Act 2011, which guide councillors in their duties to ensure integrity and accountability.

Details of the Governance Committee meeting can be found here.

Licensing Sub-Committee Grants Licence Transfer Despite Police Objections

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Friday 12 June 2026 and granted applications to transfer a premises licence and vary the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) for Best One, located at 5-7 Boxmoor Road, Romford. Despite objections from the Metropolitan Police, the committee decided to approve the changes.

The police had raised concerns about the proposed arrangements, citing potential issues with the prevention of crime and disorder. Key objections included the distance of the proposed DPS from the premises, raising doubts about their ability to exercise genuine day-to-day control. The police also highlighted the involvement of the leaseholder, Mr. Gurmeet Singh Hakimzada, who has a history of licensing issues, including a previous licence revocation in Ealing in 2018. Furthermore, the police noted that the leaseholder had sublet the premises to the applicant, which was prohibited under the terms of the lease with Havering Council.

However, the applicant's legal representative argued that the proposed DPS was of good character and aware of the licensing objectives. They contended that any misunderstandings regarding the lease had been clarified and that the application was about promoting licensing objectives, not punishment. The committee ultimately decided to grant both applications, informing parties of their right to appeal to the Magistrates' Court within 21 days.

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

Other Matters

The Cabinet meeting scheduled for Wednesday 10 June 2026 was cancelled.