The Cabinet of Redbridge Council met on Tuesday, 10 December 2019, to discuss a range of important issues affecting the borough. Key decisions included the adoption of a new Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme for 2020/21, the approval of plans to transform Ilford town centre, and the establishment of a community lottery to support local voluntary groups.

Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme 2020/21

The Cabinet adopted a new income-banded scheme for the Local Council Tax Reduction (CTR) Scheme for 2020/21. This change aims to simplify administration and provide greater financial certainty for claimants, particularly in light of the rollout of Universal Credit. The scheme will retain a maximum support level of 85% for households where a claimant or their partner receives a prescribed disability benefit, and pensioners will continue to receive up to 100% support. A Discretionary Hardship Fund will also be maintained to assist those in severe financial difficulty. The new scheme was developed following a 12-week public consultation, with 50% of respondents favouring a banded scheme.

Future of Ilford Market

Plans to revitalise Ilford Market were approved, with a decision to procure a new market operator. This initiative is part of a wider vision to transform Ilford town centre, which includes significant public realm improvements and the development of new housing and cultural spaces. The proposed new market will be a green and eco-friendly offering, featuring fresh produce, arts and crafts, and providing opportunities for local businesses and social enterprises. The Council will adopt the Food Act 1984 as the legislative framework for the new market operation, allowing for greater control over fees, market days, and the appointment of an operator.

Redbridge Community Lottery

The establishment of a Redbridge-based community lottery was approved, with the aim of supporting the voluntary and community sector by distributing the majority of income raised through ticket sales. The lottery will be run by an External Lottery Manager (ELM), Gatherwell Ltd, who will be directly appointed for three years. The lottery will operate weekly online, with tickets costing £1. A significant portion of the proceeds (60%) will go to local good causes, with 20% allocated to prizes and 10% to a central fund. The Corporate Director of Strategy and the Head of Policy, Equalities and Communities will be appointed as licence holders.

Rent Policy

A new Rent Policy was approved to ensure transparency and consistency in setting social housing rents for new homes. This policy aligns with the Council's commitment to delivering 1,000 new affordable homes by 2022 and will apply to all homes completed or purchased from January 2020. The policy mandates the setting of rents at London Affordable Rent levels, which are substantially below 80% of market rents and are linked to property values and average earnings. This approach aims to ensure genuinely affordable housing and create capacity within the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) business plan to support further development.

Approval to Procure a Contract for Speech and Language Therapy and Occupational Therapy

Cabinet approved the commissioning and delivery model for Speech and Language Therapy (SaLT) and Occupational Therapy (OT) services for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). This involves procuring a new contract for these services, which will cover children in mainstream schools, special schools, and early years settings. The contract, valued at a maximum of £2.5 million over five years, will be awarded through an open procurement process. The aim is to create an integrated model that ensures clear co-ordination of SaLT and OT services across the 0-25 age range and supports multi-agency professional work.

Transforming Ilford Hill

The concept scheme for the transformation of Ilford Hill and the Western Gyratory was approved, along with the use of £1 million from the Council's Capital Programme to progress the design and development. This project is part of a broader vision to create a more liveable town centre by remodelling the highway infrastructure, reducing the dominance of cars, and promoting sustainable transport. The concept includes replacing the gyratory with a simpler road network, improving provision for walking, cycling, and public transport, and enhancing green spaces. Public engagement will commence to inform further development of the proposals.

Adoption of the Air Quality Action Plan 2020-2025 and enforcement of vehicle anti-idling

The updated Air Quality Action Plan 2020-2025 was adopted, outlining actions to improve air quality in the borough. A key element of the plan is the introduction of a Traffic Management Order to restrict engine idling, particularly at identified hotspots such as outside schools. A new Penalty Notice Charge will be implemented to enforce anti-idling regulations across the borough.