The Cabinet of Waltham Forest Council met on Tuesday 2 June 2026. Decisions included the approval of the commissioning approach for essential services supporting children and their parents, the adoption of the Residential Alterations and Retrofit Supplementary Planning Document (SPD), and agreement to a procurement strategy for the Housing Repairs Service.

Recommissioning of the Healthy Child Programme (0-19), Best Start Service (0-5) and Universal and Targeted Services for Children (0-5) and their Parents

The Cabinet approved the commissioning approach for essential services supporting children and their parents. This includes the Healthy Child Programme (0-19), the Best Start Service (0-5), and Universal and Targeted Services for Children (0-5). The decision involved approving the preferred delivery model, contract term, and contract value, and initiating a competitive procurement process under the Provider Selection Regime (PSR). Authority was delegated to the Strategic Directors for Adult Services and Children Services, in consultation with relevant Portfolio Holders and the Section 151 Officer, to finalise procurement documentation, evaluate tenders, and award the contract.

Funding for these services has seen a real-terms reduction, necessitating a focus on core statutory requirements. While the approach prioritises the continued delivery of mandated services within existing budgets to ensure stability, careful management of pressures such as high caseloads and increasing demand will be crucial for service resilience. Savings of £60,000 per annum will be achieved by reducing investment in the discretionary Healthy Living offer. The Family Nurse Partnership (FNP), which supports vulnerable first-time young parents, will continue, reflecting its established effectiveness and the significant risks associated with its withdrawal.

Regionalisation of Fostering Recruitment, Assessment and Support

Cabinet approved Waltham Forest's continued involvement in the Local Community Fostering initiative as one of four participating local authorities. The council will continue to act as the lead local authority for the programme, which aims to reform fostering services in line with government directives. Authority was delegated to the Strategic Director for Children's Services, in consultation with the Strategic Director of Resources, to oversee the expansion of the service's scope, including the development of an end-to-end regional fostering recruitment and assessment model.

This regional approach has already seen success, with the Local Community Fostering region approving 54 households against a Department for Education target of 49. The region has been recognised nationally for its performance. Continuing this partnership allows Waltham Forest to shape a model that meets local needs while adhering to national requirements, ensuring influence over programme design. The report highlighted that changing the lead authority at this stage would introduce significant transitional risks and costs. Exiting the programme was also deemed not recommended due to divergence from government reforms and potential loss of future funding.

The Adoption of the Residential Alterations and Retrofit Supplementary Planning Document (SPD)

The Cabinet adopted the Residential Alterations and Retrofit Supplementary Planning Document (SPD), which provides detailed guidance for residents undertaking home improvements. This document supersedes the 2010 Residential Extensions and Alterations SPD and incorporates advice on retrofit measures, outbuildings, garden design, biodiversity, and water efficiency, aligning with the council's commitment to exemplar design and tackling the climate emergency.

The adoption of this SPD will provide greater certainty for applicants and decision-makers, particularly regarding new areas such as low carbon retrofit measures, air source heat pumps, and water efficiency. The document has undergone statutory consultation, with feedback leading to amendments that enhance its clarity, usability, and relevance to local housing types. Upon adoption, the 2010 SPD will be revoked.

Housing Repairs Service Procurement Strategy

Cabinet agreed to a procurement strategy for the Housing Repairs Service, which will involve re-tendering two key contracts: a Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) Repairs Partnering Contract and a General Repairs Partnering Contract. The M&E contract will have a maximum term of 15 years, and the General Repairs contract a term of 16 years, with estimated annual revenue costs of £6.061 million and £9.763 million respectively, plus capital costs.

In addition to these partnering contracts, specialist contractors will be procured directly for high-risk service areas including roofing/scaffolding, damp and mould, legal disrepair, gas, asbestos, voids, and fire safety. This approach aims to provide additional capacity, resilience, and opportunities for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). The contract values are within the approved Housing Revenue Account (HRA) business plan budgets. Authority was delegated to the Strategic Director of Place, in consultation with the Strategic Director of Resources and the Portfolio Lead Member for Housing and Regeneration, to agree the final terms and conditions of these contracts. The strategy prioritises efficient contract management, strong service control, innovation, operational flexibility, value for money, reliable data management, and high-quality resident engagement.