The Cabinet of Redbridge Council met on Thursday, 13 January 2022, to discuss a range of important issues including the enforcement of the London Lorry Control Scheme, the adoption of a new East London Joint Resources and Waste Strategy, and budget proposals for the London Councils Grants Scheme. The meeting also covered the Redbridge Safeguarding Adults Board's annual report, the adoption of policies regarding the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000, an update to the Homelessness & Rough Sleeping Strategy, and plans for the installation of electric vehicle charging points.

London Lorry Control Scheme Enforcement

Cabinet agreed to delegate the Council's functions for implementing and enforcing the London Lorry Control Scheme to the London Councils Transport and Environment Committee (TEC). This decision means Redbridge will recommence enforcement of the scheme, which regulates the movement of heavy goods vehicles over 18 tonnes during unsocial hours. The aim is to reduce noise and air pollution in residential areas by controlling the movement of larger HGVs away from unsuitable roads. Redbridge had previously left the scheme in 2005 but has now been invited to rejoin. The enforcement will be managed by London Councils, with costs covered by penalty charge notices issued to offenders.

East London Joint Resources and Waste Strategy Adoption

The Cabinet formally adopted the East London Joint Resources and Waste Strategy for the period 2027-2057. This strategy, developed by the East London Waste Authority (ELWA) and the London Boroughs of Barking and Dagenham, Havering, Newham, and Redbridge, sets out aims and objectives for preserving resources by minimising waste, promoting resource efficiency, and moving towards a circular economy. Key themes include waste prevention, reuse and repair, recycling, and supporting infrastructure improvements. The strategy aims to achieve a minimum joint recycling performance of 35% of Local Authority Collected Waste (LACW) by 2030, with an aspiration to reach 50% household waste reused, recycled, or composted, aligning with London-wide targets. The strategy also acknowledges the need to plan for the end of ELWA's current waste treatment contract in 2027 and to adapt to evolving national and regional policies.

London Councils Grants Scheme Budget Proposals 2022/23

The Cabinet noted the budget proposals for the London Councils Grants Committee for 2022/23 and agreed to Redbridge Council's subscription of £226,401. This represents a slight reduction from the previous year's contribution of £227,100. The London Councils Grants Committee administers voluntary sector grants on behalf of London Councils, and the overall expenditure for 2022/23 is set at £6.668m, funded by borough contributions. A two-thirds majority of London Boroughs must approve the budget for it to be implemented.

Redbridge Safeguarding Adults Board (RSAB) Annual Report 2020-2021

The Cabinet received and noted the Redbridge Safeguarding Adults Board (RSAB) Annual Report for 2020-2021. The report summarises safeguarding arrangements and developments from partner agencies during the year, highlighting the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. It details the efforts made to protect adults at risk from abuse and neglect, the challenges faced due to the pandemic, and the adaptive measures taken by services. The report also includes information on safeguarding activity, training, action plans, and lessons learned from Safeguarding Adults Reviews. The Cabinet expressed gratitude to John Goldup, the Independent Chair of the RSAB, for his service.

Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA)

The Cabinet formally adopted the Council's Policy and Procedures Manual on the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA). This policy governs the Council's use of covert surveillance powers when investigating serious criminal offences. The Cabinet also delegated authority to the Chief Executive to amend the policy regarding the updating of Authorised Officers to reflect staff changes. The report highlighted that the Council's use of RIPA powers has significantly diminished in recent years, with powers now predominantly used for enforcing trading standards, consumer protection legislation, serious fraud cases, and in severe environmental protection investigations.

Update to the Homelessness & Rough Sleeping Strategy

The Cabinet approved an update to the Homelessness & Rough Sleeping Strategy, noting the activity undertaken to support rough sleepers and the funding secured. The report detailed the challenges in supporting individuals with no recourse to public funds (NRPF) and the response to new demand. The Cabinet approved the approach to NRPF rough sleepers, including engaging with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) and the Home Office to demand changes to regulations and secure additional funding. The Council aims to resolve the status of NRPF rough sleepers and prevent them from returning to the streets, acknowledging the significant financial and legal complexities involved.

Procurement of Electric Vehicle Charge Points with Grant Funding

The Cabinet authorised the Council to sign an Infrastructure Funding Agreement with UBER to install publicly accessible, on-street electric vehicle charge points (EVCPs). This initiative, part of UBER's Clean Air Plan, will see Redbridge receive grant funding to install fast chargers. The Council will proceed with a mini-competition via the Crown Commercial Services (CCS) Dynamic Purchasing System to procure charging point operators for a 10-year concession contract. Any income generated from these charge points will be earmarked for future transport decarbonisation projects, aligning with the Council's Climate Change Action Plan. The Cabinet also authorised officers to seek further fully-funded offers from charging point operators and delegated authority for the award of future contracts to the Corporate Director for Communities in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment and Civic Pride.