The Council meeting on 17 January 2024 saw significant debate and a key decision made regarding home to school transport. Councillors also discussed various council services and projects, including road repairs, market management, and housing initiatives.

Home to School Transport Debate

A major focus of the meeting was the proposed changes to the Home to School Transport service. The Conservative Group put forward a motion calling on the Cabinet not to proceed with the proposed cuts and changes, arguing they would have a detrimental impact on children and parents. An amendment from the Havering Residents Association Group, later altered, called for the Cabinet to proceed with changes that offer greater choice and flexibility, while minimising impact. This altered amendment was accepted for debate and subsequently AGREED as the substantive motion. The final resolution stated that the Council recognises the financial challenges it faces and the need for difficult operational choices, therefore calling on the Cabinet not to proceed with changes to service delivery, including Home to School Transport, without proper consultation and scrutiny. The Council also acknowledged that budgetary constraints could negatively impact residents but recognised the Cabinet's efforts to promote a budget that minimises these effects.

Questions on Council Services

A series of questions were posed to Cabinet Members, covering a range of council operations and policies.

Park Gate Consistency: Councillor Dilip Patel questioned the inconsistent locking of park gates. Cabinet Member for Environment, Councillor Barry Mugglestone, explained that locking had ceased in 2022 for cost savings but was now being trialled again under a mixed-contract pilot with National Enforcement Solutions. He acknowledged that the contractor had underestimated the resource needed and faced recruitment issues, leading to discussions about contractual performance.

Romford Market Management: Councillor David Taylor inquired about work to assess alternatives for the management of Romford Market, including engaging private management companies. Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Councillor Graham Williamson, stated that various options had been considered, including private sector involvement, which could range from outsourcing day-to-day management to seeking an investment partner for regeneration. A provisional risk/benefit analysis had been drafted, but no decision had been made pending further consideration. The issue of market signage was also raised, with the Cabinet Member agreeing it would be addressed as part of the Romford Masterplan.

Parking Machine Issues: Councillor Martin Goode asked about the protocol for issuing Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) when Pay & Display machines were out of order. Cabinet Member for Environment, Councillor Barry Mugglestone, outlined the current procedure where Civil Enforcement Officers test machines before enforcement. If a machine is not working, it is reported, and enforcement is limited to vehicles parked outside bay markings. Vehicles parked without payment are logged, and enforcement may occur if the officer can return after three hours. New signage will advise motorists to use alternative phone payment methods, and vehicles without a valid paid session will be at risk of a PCN.

Road Repair Funding: Councillor Osman Dervish asked how the government's funding for road repairs would be allocated. Cabinet Member for Environment, Councillor Barry Mugglestone, clarified that the funding amounts to £0.333m this year, £0.333m next year, and £10.416m over all years to 2033/34. This funding is designated for additional highway maintenance, including road and pothole repairs and footway repairs. The exact details for future years are still being developed, and all Members will be asked for their top five roads in need of repair in their wards.

Call-in Waivers: Councillor Keith Prince questioned the progress on a plan to reduce call-in waivers. The Leader of the Council, Councillor Ray Morgon, stated that the Monitoring Officer found no deficiency in the current process and that waivers should only be used as a last resort, consistent with the administration's aim to empower scrutiny. A suggestion was made to make call-in waivers a standing item at the Overview & Scrutiny Board.

Cycling Infrastructure: Councillor David Taylor enquired about ongoing cycling infrastructure projects. Cabinet Member for Environment, Councillor Barry Mugglestone, detailed the annual programme of cycle and scooter parking in schools, funded by the Local Implementation Plan and Community Infrastructure Levy. Secure cycle lockers are also being installed on residential estates, and provision in town centres is being reviewed. Feasibility work is also underway for a safe cycle link along Marshway.

Environmental Impact Assessments: Councillor Keith Prince raised concerns about the waiver of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) for the Upminster battery storage facility and the Como Street car park site. Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Councillor Graham Williamson, explained that EIAs are only required for projects likely to have significant environmental effects and that these specific projects did not meet the legislative thresholds. He assured that the acceptability of proposals is assessed regardless of whether an EIA is required.

Housing for Vulnerable Residents: Councillor Joshua Chapman asked for an update on vulnerable residents housed outside Havering. Cabinet Member for Housing and Property, Councillor Paul McGeary, reported that 12 households were placed out of borough in 2022 and 9 in 2023, with reasons including English not being a first language, mental health issues, mobility problems, domestic violence, and substance abuse. Support assessments and action plans are in place for these households, with regular visits and property inspections.

Royal Jubilee Court Reopening: Councillor David Taylor asked for an update on the reopening of Royal Jubilee Court. Cabinet Member for Housing and Property, Councillor Paul McGeary, stated that the facility opened on 6 November and aims to fully occupy its 74 units by the end of the financial year. 33 families had been settled there before Christmas, with 17 more expected. He confirmed that families had responded positively to the move.

Waterloo Estate Development: Councillor Viddy Persaud inquired about conversations with Wates regarding work on the Waterloo Estate. Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Councillor Graham Williamson, explained that the Joint Venture Board paused Phase 1 due to regulatory uncertainty regarding the requirement for a second staircase in high-risk buildings. Following government announcements on this matter, the Board is carefully considering how to proceed, balancing safety, ethical considerations, and the need for housing. A decision is anticipated within three months.

Homes for Ukrainian and Afghan Refugees: Councillor Dilip Patel asked for an update on the programme to purchase homes for Ukrainian and Afghan refugees. Cabinet Member for Housing and Property, Councillor Paul McGeary, reported that grants from the GLA and the Department for Levelling Up and Communities provide acquisition capacity for 62 properties, with 24 completed and 32 in progress. Six families have already moved into their nominated properties.

Lawns Way Width Restriction: Councillor Jason Frost questioned the removal of the width restriction in Lawns Way and requested the introduction of speed monitoring equipment. Cabinet Member for Environment, Councillor Barry Mugglestone, explained that the temporary restrictions were removed because they would either have to be made permanent or removed, and cameras now enforce the weight limit. Complaints had also been received about HGVs causing damage at the restriction locations. He noted that Lawns Way and Faircross Avenue already have traffic calming measures, and there are no current proposals for further surveys.

Telecare Devices and Digital Transition: Councillor Jason Frost asked if the Council was cooperating with requests for data to facilitate the safe transition of vulnerable residents to digital telecare connections. Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing, Councillor Gillian Ford, confirmed that the Council is procuring digital telecare equipment to replace analogue systems before the switch-off of analogue lines, with the project overseen by the Havering Telecare service.

Appointments to Outside Organisations

The Council AGREED a report from the Governance Committee concerning appointments to outside organisations. Key appointments included Councillor Jacqueline Williams to the Poyntz Charity Trust and Councillor Paul Middleton to the Havering Theatre Trust Board. It was also noted that Councillor Keith Darvill had replaced Councillor Paul McGeary as the Council's representative on Capital Letters.

Petitions Received

Several petitions were received by the Council, including one from Councillor Katharine Tumilty regarding asbestos in the Tring Gardens area, one from Councillor James Glass concerning crime issues in Hayburn Way, one from Councillor Jane Keane about assistance for shopping parades in the St Albans ward, and one from Councillor Brian Eagling against parking charges in parks.