The Cabinet of Waltham Forest Council met on Thursday 22 February 2024, approving a significant restructure of senior management and a substantial budget for the upcoming financial year, including council tax increases. The meeting also saw the adoption of the Waltham Forest Local Plan (Part 1) and the Mission Waltham Forest strategy.

Senior Management Restructure

The Cabinet approved a significant restructure of the council's senior management. This includes the creation of a new directorate named 'Stronger Communities' within the Deputy Chief Executive's portfolio. Key changes to the senior management structure involve the deletion of the Strategic Director People position and the creation of two new roles: Strategic Director Children Services (DCS) and Strategic Director Adult Services (DASS). Additionally, three new Corporate Director posts will report directly to the Chief Executive: Corporate Director of Strategy and Change, Corporate Director of Communications and Campaigns, and Corporate Director of Culture & Workforce Development. The alternative option considered was to retain the existing structure, but this was deemed insufficient to meet the strategic and leadership demands presented by current and future budget and service delivery challenges.

Budget and Council Tax Setting 2024/25

A comprehensive budget for 2024/25 was approved, alongside decisions on council tax increases. The Cabinet recommended to Full Council an increase in the basic council tax of 2.99%, along with a 2% increase for the Adult Social Care precept, resulting in a total increase of 4.99%. This brings the council tax for a Band D property to £1,702.32. The Greater London Authority's precept will add a further £471.40, making the overall council tax for a Band D property £2,173.72, a 5.75% increase. The projected budget for 2024/25 is £474.969 million.

During the discussion on the budget, Sonia McKenzie, representing tenants and residents of Fred Wigg & John Walsh Towers, raised concerns about the removal of insulation, the lack of funding for planned works such as new kitchens and bathrooms, and the perceived misleading information from the council regarding an enforcement notice from the London Fire Brigade. She requested a second opinion on necessary works, the installation of fire detection systems, improved ventilation, and consultation on proposed works. Councillor Ahsan Khan, Deputy Leader (Housing and Regeneration), responded by explaining that tenants would be offered a ballot on estate regeneration or a maintenance programme. He confirmed that while a planned maintenance programme focused on fire and building safety was in place, it was paused to address fire and building safety works. He acknowledged the viability issues preventing an immediate ballot and committed to working with the Greater London Authority and Central Government to find solutions. Councillor Khan also assured residents that their safety would not be compromised and that decent homes across the borough would be prioritised. He committed to responding in writing regarding specific concerns about shutters, ventilation, and security doors, and acknowledged the need to strengthen communication and trust with residents.

Councillor Paul Douglas, Portfolio Lead Member - Finance and Resources, highlighted the impact of reduced central government funding and the ongoing cost of living crisis, stating that the council tax increase was necessary to continue providing essential services. He praised the budget-setting process as the most effective he had experienced at the council. Councillor Clyde Loakes, Deputy Leader (Climate and Air Quality), echoed concerns about central government funding cuts and their impact on public services, including the NHS, police, and schools. Councillor Louise Mitchell, Portfolio Lead Member - Adults, noted that adult services accounted for approximately a third of the council's total spend and expressed gratitude for the council tax precept that allowed the service to be maintained, but highlighted the uncertainty of future funding. The Leader, Councillor Grace Williams, criticised the government's handling of public services, the housing crisis, and the social care crisis, noting that some councils had been forced to increase council tax by up to 20%.

The Cabinet also agreed to maintain the maximum percentage allowed for the empty homes premium from 1 April 2024 and to charge a 100% premium on dwellings empty for one year from the same date, in accordance with the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023. Furthermore, a 100% premium will be charged on dwellings that are substantially furnished but have no resident (e.g., second homes) from 1 April 2025. War disablement pensions, war widow's or war widower's pensions will be disregarded in their entirety when calculating Housing Benefit entitlement. The Cabinet also agreed to include collection fund surpluses and deficits within the budget from 1 April 2024 and approved the Capital Programme for 2023-2034. Funding of £2.518 million was agreed as initial mobilisation investment for 12 identified transformation areas. The Cabinet also reconfirmed that any outstanding debt financing relating to the Mears JV (More Homes Waltham Forest LLP) would have its balance transferred to the London Borough of Waltham Forest Pension Fund upon winding up.

Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Budget Including Tenants Rents and Service Charges 2024/25

The Cabinet agreed to a 7.7% increase in HRA dwelling rents, averaging an increase of £9.10 per week, bringing the average rent to £127.29 from 1 April 2024. This increase aligns with The Social Housing Regulator's Rent Standard. Tenant service charges were also agreed to recover costs from those receiving the services. Garage rents will increase by 10% for residents and 20% for non-residents. Shared ownership rents will increase in line with lease provisions. Rents and service charges for sheltered accommodation will also increase by 7.7%, mirroring general needs council housing. Temporary accommodation rent charges will continue to be linked to Local Housing Allowance (LHA) levels, and charges for travellers' sites will also increase by 7.7%.

Capital Investment Strategy 2023/24 - 2033/34

An ambitious Capital Investment Strategy for 2023/24 to 2033/34 was approved. The strategy focuses on affordable housing and prioritising legal and health and safety obligations. It will be reviewed and refreshed annually. The Capital Prioritisation Framework within the strategy will be managed by the officer-led Capital Strategy and Asset Management Group (CSAMG) and Senior Leadership Team (SLT). No financing sources will be ringfenced unless stipulated by regulations or necessary agreements. The financing of the capital programme is delegated to the Strategic Director of Resources for flexibility.

Adoption of the Waltham Forest Local Plan (Part 1)

The Cabinet endorsed and recommended to Full Council the adoption of the Waltham Forest Local Plan (Part 1) (LP1). This follows the Inspectors' Final Report, which concluded that the Plan is sound, legally compliant, and capable of adoption, subject to Main Modifications. The adoption is scheduled to take effect from 12 April 2024, after the statutory six-week legal challenge period. Upon adoption, the Council's current adopted Core Strategy (2012), Waltham Forest Development Management Policies (2013), Walthamstow Town Centre Area Action Plan (2014), and Blackhorse Lane Area Action Plan (2015) will be revoked, provided no challenge is lodged. The Corporate Director Regeneration, Planning & Delivery, in consultation with the Portfolio Lead Member for Housing and Regeneration, will be authorised to finalise and publish an Adoption Statement, Sustainability Appraisal Adoption Statement, and an updated Policies Map. The Waltham Forest Local Development Scheme (LDS) was also approved to take effect immediately. Councillor Ahsan Khan expressed pride in the ambition of the Local Plan, calling it one of the most ambitious in London, and noted that the council had delivered 93% of its housing targets.

Mission Waltham Forest

The Cabinet agreed to Mission Waltham Forest: our plan for a more equal borough and recommended it to Full Council for final adoption as part of the Council's Policy Framework, replacing 15-Minute Neighbourhoods: Our Corporate Framework . The Leader emphasised the need to address challenges such as climate change and community safety in collaboration with residents and partners, acknowledging that the council may not have the funds to address all issues independently. The strategy also aims to change how the council operates to improve the resident experience and recognises staff as the council's greatest asset. Councillor Khevyn Limbajee, Portfolio Lead Member - Community Safety, highlighted the Citizen's Assembly as an innovative engagement method and the Safe Streets pilot as a foundation for future initiatives.

Senior Management Restructure

The Cabinet agreed to the creation of the new directorate 'Stronger Communities' within the Deputy Chief Executive’s portfolio. They also approved changes to the Council’s Senior Management Structure, including the deletion of the Strategic Director People position and the creation of Strategic Director Children Services (DCS) and Strategic Director Adult Services (DASS). The posts of Corporate Director of Strategy and Change, Corporate Director of Communications and Campaigns, and Corporate Director of Culture & Workforce Development will now report directly to the Chief Executive.