The Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, 31 January 2024, focused heavily on the council's budget for the upcoming financial year and the medium-term financial strategy. A key decision was the approval of a 4.99% council tax increase, comprising a 2.99% rise for general services and a 2% precept for adult social care, with measures in place to protect lower-income households. The Cabinet also approved significant investments in various services, including £5 million for waste management, and outlined plans for new electric vehicle charging points and the regeneration of the Harriott, Apsley & Pattison Houses estate.

Council Tax and Budget Proposals

The Cabinet agreed to propose a 4.99% increase in council tax for the 2024-25 financial year. This comprises a 2.99% increase for general council services and an additional 2% adult social care precept. Mayor Lutfur Rahman stated that this increase was necessary to fund monumental investment in essential services, while also highlighting that households earning less than £49,500 would not be impacted by the increase. A Council Tax Cost of Living Relief Fund will be established to support those most affected by the rise. The council's Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2024-27 was also approved, which aims to achieve a sustainable balanced position and reduce reliance on reserves. Significant investments were detailed, including £25 million for young people's services, £5 million for waste management, and funding for a new Women's Resource Centre and a Somali Resource Hub.

Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Strategy and Fees

The Cabinet approved the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Strategy for 2024-27, which includes plans for investment in existing homes, the acquisition of up to 600 new homes, and a reduction in the use of bed and breakfast accommodation for temporary housing. HRA fees and charges for 2024-25 were also approved, aligning with the approach taken for general fund fees and charges.

Regeneration and Development

Harriott, Apsley & Pattison Houses (HAP) Regeneration Scheme: The Cabinet approved the appropriation of land for planning purposes to facilitate the regeneration of the HAP Houses estate. This scheme aims to deliver approximately 407 new homes, including around 180 affordable homes, and a new community building. The Cabinet also agreed in principle to pursue compulsory purchase powers if necessary to acquire outstanding interests in the land. The Redcoat Community Centre and Mosque will be relocated to a new standalone facility as part of the development.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Points: Approval was given to procure over 2,000 new electric vehicle charging points across the borough. This includes 35 rapid charging points and 2,000 slow charging points to be installed by suppliers, with LBTH acting as the lead borough for a joint procurement with Barking and Dagenham for an additional 200 fast and 10 rapid chargers. The council will receive a revenue share and annual site fees from the appointed suppliers.

Service Investments and Restructures

Waste Services: A £5 million one-off investment was approved for waste services to address failures in service delivery and improve standards. This includes enhancing street cleaning resources, introducing new time bands for waste collection, reviewing commercial waste services, and investing in new vehicles and technology.

Leisure Services: The Cabinet agreed to bring leisure services in-house from May 2024, ending the contract with GLL. This move aims to provide greater control over service delivery and align it with the council's strategic priorities. The proposal includes investments in upgrading sports facilities and expanding community use agreements.

Community Safety and Enforcement: A proposal to generate income through enhanced street-based enforcement activity and the commercialisation of CCTV services was approved. This aims to improve community safety, deter anti-social behaviour, and contribute to the council's income generation targets.

Other Investments and Savings:

Several savings proposals were approved, primarily through service restructures and efficiency measures across various directorates, including:

• Chief Executive's Office: Savings from removing contingency budgets, legal services agency spend, and restructuring the Mayor's Office.
• Communities Directorate: Savings from reviewing contracts, commercialising services like parking, and restructuring Highways and Transportation.
• Housing and Regeneration: Savings from the deletion of THH executive management posts, changes to the funding of certain posts, and efficiencies in IT systems.
• Health and Adult Social Care: Savings from a transformation project for care technology, a review of commissioned care and support, and the decommissioning of the Dellow Centre.
• Resources Directorate: Savings from IT infrastructure rationalisation, the removal of corporate redundancy budgets, and efficiencies within HR and Revenues and Benefits.

Other Key Decisions

Corporate Equalities Plan 2024-26: The Cabinet agreed the Corporate Equalities Plan, which outlines the council's commitment to tackling inequality and promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion. This plan includes objectives to work with communities, uphold equality, address specific inequalities faced by Bangladeshi and Somali communities, improve safety and opportunities for women, and ensure the workforce reflects the community.

Contracts Forward Plan: The Cabinet reviewed the contracts planned for procurement in Quarter 3 of the financial year and noted the Procurement Forward Plan for 2023-2028. However, the contract for 'HAR5945 Rooftop New Homes' was not authorised for progression.

The meeting also included discussions on the HRA Strategy, HRA Fees and Charges, and various other reports related to the council's financial strategy and service delivery.