This week in Waltham Forest:

Council Tackles Pension Fund Investments and Approves Trans Inclusion Motion

Waltham Forest Council's Pension Committee met on Tuesday, 14 July 2026, to review the performance and governance of the council's pension fund. The fund, valued at £1,138.6 million as of March 2026, is a significant financial asset that supports the retirement of many local employees. The committee received updates on investment performance, administration services, and the draft pension fund accounts.

A key focus was the Fit for the Future initiative, driven by new government regulations aimed at reforming the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). This initiative mandates participation in asset pools and requires adherence to specific investment and governance strategies. The committee was presented with checklists to ensure the fund meets these new requirements.

The draft pension fund accounts for the year ending March 2026 showed an increase in net assets of £77.6 million. However, the report also detailed underperformance by several fund managers, including the LCIV's Global Equity Focus Fund. This underperformance can have a direct impact on the long-term security of pensions for beneficiaries. Management expenses for 2025/26 exceeded the budget by £223,000, partly due to work on the Triennial Actuarial Valuation and the implementation of a new investment strategy. The committee also reviewed the administration services provided by the Pension Shared Service (PSS) partnership, noting successful implementation of a digital proof of life process for overseas pensioners.

Link to the Pension Committee meeting

In a significant move, the Council meeting on Thursday, 16 July 2026, debated and passed a motion on Trans, Non-Binary, and Intersex Inclusion in Waltham Forest. The motion reaffirms the council's commitment to being a Borough of Sanctuary and to protecting residents from discrimination. It resolves to review council policies, ensure mandatory trans awareness training for staff and councillors, and commit to self-identification being sufficient for accessing services under normal circumstances. The motion also calls for new and refurbished council buildings to include non-gendered toilet and changing facilities where practicable and for the council to work with NHS partners to address healthcare barriers for trans, non-binary, and intersex residents.

The debate saw differing views expressed. Councillor Emma Best raised concerns about the motion's legal standing and suggested a cross-party task and finish group. Councillor Sallis voiced concerns about safeguarding for women and girls, stating she could not support the motion. Conversely, Councillor Aldo argued against the idea that trans women pose a risk in toilets, drawing parallels to historical segregation. Councillor Copsey spoke in favour, emphasizing empathy and the need to serve all residents. The motion was ultimately passed, signalling a commitment to inclusivity for these communities.

The Council also approved the 2025-26 Annual Treasury Management Review, noting the challenging financial environment with substantial external debt and interest costs. Changes to the Scheme of Members' Allowances were agreed, introducing Special Responsibility Allowances (SRAs) for leaders and chief whips of qualifying opposition groups to ensure public office is accessible. Amendments to the Constitution were also agreed, including changes to the Planning Committee's Terms of Reference and Planning Code of Practice to align with new national legislation streamlining the planning process.

Link to the Council meeting

Licensing Sub-Committee Imposes Noise Restrictions on Duos Lounge

The Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee met on Friday, 17 July 2026, to address persistent noise nuisance from amplified music at Duos Lounge, located at 662-664 Lea Bridge Road, Leyton. The review was initiated by the Council's Air Quality & Environmental Protection (AQEP) Team due to the noise undermining the licensing objective of preventing public nuisance.

The Sub-Committee agreed to modify the conditions on the premises licence. Crucially, all amplified sound must now be routed through a noise-limiting device, calibrated and set by the AQEP Service and kept in a locked, tamper-proof box. Furthermore, no speakers will be permitted in external areas, including the rear garden. These measures are designed to directly address the complaints from residents and the AQEP team, who have documented a history of noise issues, including the service of an abatement notice¹.

The committee also recommended that the premises holder meet with those who made representations to discuss the new conditions and provide a contact number for residents experiencing issues. The AQEP Service will conduct regular visits to ensure compliance. While the noise limiter will help, the committee noted it cannot limit noise from drums and recommended no drum playing after 11 p.m. These decisions aim to balance the operation of the venue with the right of residents to peace and quiet.

Link to the Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee meeting

Other Matters

Cabinet Approves Partnership to Combat Domestic Abuse and Child Safeguarding

The Cabinet met on Tuesday, 14 July 2026, and approved the Safe and Together London Partnership proposal for 2026-2028. This partnership, which will receive over £1 million in grant funding from the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) and Foundations, aims to address domestic abuse and its impact on child safeguarding. Waltham Forest will act as the lead recipient for the grant.

The Safe and Together model is recognised as best practice in integrating domestic abuse services with child safeguarding. The expansion to fourteen boroughs across London is expected to generate robust evidence through a Randomised Control Trial, demonstrating the effectiveness of this approach. The Cabinet also approved the commissioning of Respect and the Child and Women Abuse Studies Unit (CWASU) as delivery partners, as required by the grant conditions. This initiative is crucial for supporting vulnerable families and ensuring children are protected from harm.

The Cabinet also noted the Revenue Outturn for 2025/26, which achieved a net nil position after utilising £2.710 million from the Budget Strategy Reserve. The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) showed a surplus of £6.732 million. However, the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) reported a net deficit carried forward of £14.320 million, highlighting ongoing financial pressures in supporting education for children with special needs. The Capital Outturn for 2025/26 showed a net slippage of £28.716 million, indicating delays in planned capital projects.

Link to the Cabinet meeting

Council-Owned Companies Review Business Plans

The Shareholder Committee met on Tuesday, 14 July 2026, to review the business plans and performance of two council-owned companies. Evolve Norse, a property services joint venture, had its 2026/27 business plan approved. The company reported no financial losses in 2025/26 and provided £27,000 in rental income to the council, supporting key capital projects. The committee also approved the 2026/27 business plan for Waltham Forest Services Ltd (WFSL), a wholly owned subsidiary. WFSL has shown strong financial growth, reinvesting over £2.4 million into council budgets and delivering significant social value. Its Kanopiworks brand, offering retrofit services, secured an additional £1.3 million in grant funding. These companies play a vital role in delivering services and generating income for the council.

Link to the Shareholder Committee meeting

This week in Waltham Forest:

Council Grapples with Housing and Licensing Decisions

Waltham Forest Council's Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee convened on Thursday, 09 July 2026, making decisions that will impact local businesses and residents' peace. In a move that will likely concern some residents, the committee refused a variation of a premises licence for Endri's at 54-56 Wood Street. The application sought to extend alcohol sales and operating hours, but nine resident representations and one from the licensing team cited worries about public nuisance and crime. This refusal highlights the council's role in balancing business interests with community well-being.

In a separate decision, the same sub-committee granted a new premises licence for Mez Lounge at 627-629 Lea Bridge Road, but with significant additional conditions. While the licence allows for alcohol sales and entertainment, the hours for alcohol sales have been restricted, and the use of the rear garden area is prohibited after 10 PM. These conditions were imposed following representations from the Licensing Authority and Environmental Health, who raised concerns about previous noise issues and the potential for public nuisance and crime. The decision reflects the council's effort to manage the impact of licensed premises on local neighbourhoods.

Link to the Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee meeting

Council Finances and Governance Under Review

The Audit and Governance Committee met on Wednesday, 08 July 2026, to scrutinise the council's financial health and governance frameworks. Key discussions included the External Audit Plan and the Draft Statement of Accounts for the 2025-26 financial year. These documents are vital for ensuring transparency and accountability in how public money is managed. The committee also reviewed the Annual Treasury Management Review, detailing how the council's investments and borrowing were handled.

Updates were also received on Risk Management and the Corporate Anti-Fraud Team's progress, underscoring the council's commitment to safeguarding public funds and preventing fraud. The committee also considered revisions to the Whistleblowing Policy, ensuring that staff and others can raise concerns without fear of reprisal. Furthermore, proposed updates to the Council's Constitution, including changes to the Employment Procedure Rules and Planning Committee's terms of reference, were discussed. These procedural changes are essential for the smooth and effective operation of the council.

Link to the Audit and Governance Committee meeting

Planning Committee Approves Seven Applications

The Planning Committee met on Tuesday, 07 July 2026, and granted planning permission for all seven applications before it. These decisions, subject to conditions and informatives, will shape the borough's landscape. Notably, permission was granted for a new five-storey mixed-use building at 176 Wood Street, comprising six residential units and a commercial space. This decision was subject to the completion of a Section 106 Legal Agreement, a common mechanism used to secure contributions towards local infrastructure or community benefits.

Another significant approval was for the change of use of Chapel End Early Years Centre to a Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) school. This change will see a reduced capacity, aiming to decrease noise and congestion. The committee also considered an application for replacement windows at 6 Croft House, a decision referred due to the applicant being a council employee, highlighting the council's commitment to transparency in its processes.

Link to the Planning Committee meeting

Other Matters

Scrutiny Committee Reviews Financial Outturn and Impact Framework

The Scrutiny Coordinating Committee met on Thursday, 09 July 2026. The committee reviewed the Capital and Revenue Outturn for 2025-26, examining how the council's budget was spent and identifying significant variances. A notable point was a £10.914m deficit in the Dedicated Schools Grant's high needs block, which could impact support for children with special educational needs. The committee was also introduced to the Corporate Impact Framework, a tool designed to measure council performance and resident experience, and reviewed the draft Scrutiny Annual Report.

Link to the Scrutiny Coordinating Committee meeting

This week in Waltham Forest:

Housing Strategy Under Scrutiny: Addressing Homelessness and Improving Home Quality

The Inclusive Growth and Housing Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday, 1 July 2026, to examine the council's work in crucial areas of housing and inclusive growth. The committee received an in-depth update on the delivery of the council's Housing Strategy, a plan adopted in January 2024 with the ambitious aim of ensuring Improved and fairer access to high-quality and genuinely affordable homes which provide a foundation for every resident to live a happy and healthy life.

The strategy is built on four core outcomes: preventing homelessness and rough sleeping, ensuring residents can access homes that meet their needs, making every home healthy, safe, and affordable to heat, and ensuring development enhances neighbourhoods. While the past year has seen progress, including reductions in households in temporary accommodation, significant challenges remain. These include market pressures impacting housing supply, ongoing financial strains related to temporary accommodation costs, and the substantial investment needed to improve the quality of council homes.

The committee also heard about the work of the Place Directorate, which oversees Planning, Housing, Regeneration, and Capital Delivery. This directorate is tasked with fostering inclusive growth and delivering housing and regeneration projects, even within a challenging financial climate.

The discussions highlighted the real-world impact of these strategies. For instance, the ongoing need for investment in council home quality directly affects the health and well-being of residents, particularly those in older, less energy-efficient properties who may struggle with heating costs and damp. Similarly, efforts to prevent homelessness are critical for vulnerable individuals and families facing housing insecurity.

The committee also reviewed its work programme and recommendations from previous meetings, ensuring ongoing oversight of these vital services.

Link to the Inclusive Growth and Housing Scrutiny Committee meeting

Pension Fund Faces Scrutiny Over Investments and Administration

The Pension Board met on Monday, 29 June 2026, to review the financial health and operational efficiency of the Waltham Forest Pension Fund. The fund, which manages pensions for council employees and other eligible individuals, is a significant financial entity with assets totalling £1,138.6 million as of 31 March 2026.

Key discussions included the draft pension fund accounts and the audit plan for the year ending 31 March 2026. The accounts revealed a decrease in the fund's value, and the audit plan highlighted potential risks in investment accuracy and control.

A significant focus was placed on the Pension Administration Service. While overall performance remains high, with 98.27% of key work items meeting targets, the report noted that 17% of employers submitted zero-error data throughout the year, and 51% were in the red category for data quality. This can have implications for the accuracy and timeliness of pension payments for members. The move to a digital proof of life verification for overseas pensioners is a positive step towards reducing fraud and improving efficiency.

Management expenses and investment performance were also scrutinised. The fund's overall strategic target was on track, but specific managers, including the LCIV (Longview) – Global Equity Focus Fund and LCIV (Baillie Gifford) – Global Alpha Growth Paris Aligned Fund, underperformed their benchmarks. This underperformance can impact the long-term growth of pension pots. The report also detailed that management expenses exceeded the budget, partly due to increased actuarial and investment advisory fees.

The Board also received an update on the upcoming Fit for the Future regulations, which will mandate participation in asset pools and require updated investment strategy statements. Training for Board members was also discussed, emphasizing the importance of understanding complex pension regulations and governance.

The meeting was moved from its original date, and no transcript was provided.

Link to the Pension Board meeting

Other Matters

Audit and Governance Committee to Review Financial Health and Policies

The Audit and Governance Committee is set to meet on Wednesday, 8 July 2026. The committee will delve into the Council's financial standing by reviewing the External Audit Plan and the Draft Statement of Accounts for the year ending 31 March 2026. This scrutiny is vital for ensuring financial probity and accountability. They will also examine the Annual Treasury Management Review, which details how the council's money is managed and invested, and receive updates on Risk Management and the Corporate Anti-Fraud Team's progress. The committee will also consider revisions to the Whistleblowing Policy and various updates to the Council's Constitution, including changes to Employment Procedure Rules and Planning Committee Terms of Reference. This meeting is crucial for maintaining good governance and public trust.

Link to the Audit and Governance Committee meeting

Planning Committee to Consider Key Development Proposals

The Planning Committee will meet on Tuesday, 7 July 2026, to consider a number of significant planning applications. These include proposals for new residential and mixed-use developments, such as amendments to a development at 817-823 Forest Road, which could alter the number of homes, and a proposal for a new mixed-use building at 176 Wood Street. The committee will also review applications for extensions and changes of use, including a proposal to convert Chapel End Early Years Centre into a Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) school. Several applications have been called in by councillors or referred due to public interest and representations received, indicating potential community concerns about the impact of these developments.

Link to the Planning Committee meeting

Scrutiny Coordinating Committee to Review Directorate Overview and Financial Outturn

The Scrutiny Coordinating Committee will meet on Thursday, 9 July 2026. The agenda includes an overview of the Chief Executive Directorate, offering insight into services like Communications, Digital Services, and Strategy. The committee will also scrutinise the Capital and Revenue Outturn for the 2025-26 financial year, examining how the council's budget was spent and identifying any significant variances. An introduction to the Corporate Impact Framework will also be provided, detailing how the council measures its performance and outcomes. The committee will also review the draft Scrutiny Annual Report, summarising the work of all scrutiny committees over the past year.

Link to the Scrutiny Coordinating Committee meeting

Licensing Sub-Committees to Address Premises Licence Reviews and Applications

Two Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committees are scheduled to meet. On Thursday, 9 July 2026, the sub-committee will consider a variation to the premises licence for Endri's at 54-56 Wood Street, which includes extending alcohol sales hours and amending opening times, following objections from residents and a local councillor concerned about public nuisance. The same sub-committee will also consider a new premises licence for Mez Lounge at 627-629 Lea Bridge Road, where concerns have been raised by the Licensing team and Environmental Health due to past issues with noise and anti-social behaviour. On Friday, 17 July 2026, another sub-committee will review the premises licence for Duos Lounge at 662-664 Lea Bridge Road, following persistent noise complaints and the service of an abatement notice. These meetings are critical for balancing the rights of businesses with the need to prevent public nuisance and crime.

Link to the Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee meeting on 09 July Link to the Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee meeting on 17 July

This week in Waltham Forest:

£1.5 Million Contract Awarded to Refurbish Historic Hatherley Mews

Waltham Forest Council has approved a significant contract worth over £1.5 million to refurbish the historic Hatherley Mews building on Hoe Street, Walthamstow. The decision, made by the Executive Decision meeting on Tuesday, 23 June 2026, will see Woodland Interiors Contracting Limited undertake the refurbishment works.

This project is a key part of the council's strategy to regenerate the area, aiming to transform the vacant units within Hatherley Mews into vibrant spaces for creative, cultural, and commercial use. The goal is to boost the local economy, support businesses, and enhance the borough's evening and cultural offerings.

The refurbishment includes essential structural and compliance works, as well as environmental improvements like the installation of solar panels. Public realm enhancements, such as renewing cobblestones and improving lighting and CCTV, are also planned to increase safety and deter anti-social behaviour.

The project has secured £1.96 million from the Government's Levelling Up Fund, with the total approved budget for the scheme standing at £3.585 million. The council anticipates that the completed development will generate rental income.

The decision was made after a competitive procurement process, with 14 tenders submitted. The refurbishment is expected to have a positive impact on accessibility for individuals with disabilities, making ground-floor units fully accessible.

The decision is subject to a call-in period, expiring on Tuesday, 30 June 2026.

Link to the Executive Decision meeting