The Council meeting on Wednesday 22 July 2026 saw significant debate and decisions on environmental policy, the establishment of a Member Champion of Faith, and calls for greater transparency regarding Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) revenue. Key decisions included the rescinding of the council's Climate Emergency declaration and the appointment of Councillor Henry Williams as the new Member Champion of Faith.

Havering Youth Justice Plan Approved

The council approved the Havering Youth Justice Plan 2026-27. This plan outlines how youth justice services will be delivered and governed locally, with a focus on measuring the difference made to the lives of young people, families, and communities, rather than solely the number of activities delivered. The plan aligns with the His Majesty's Inspectorate of Probation Youth Justice Inspection Framework and emphasises evidence-based practice and partnership working. The Youth Justice Service and its partners will assess interventions based on risk reduction, increased protective factors, and improved outcomes in areas such as education, employment, well-being, and community safety.

Motions for Debate

Hornchurch Football Club Congratulated

A motion brought forward by the Labour Group congratulating Hornchurch Football Club on their promotion to the National League was unanimously agreed. The motion recognised the club's outstanding achievement, its role in bringing residents together, fostering local pride, and raising Havering's profile. The council also committed to continuing its support for grassroots and semi-professional football across the borough. Councillor Keith Prince, Leader of the Council, stated his intention to meet with the club to discuss their evolving needs.

Member Champion of Faith Established

A motion proposed by the Reform UK Havering Group to establish a Member Champion of Faith was agreed by 32 votes to 0, with 13 abstentions. Councillor Henry Williams was subsequently appointed to this role. Councillor Gillian Ford, Leader of the Opposition, noted that while the Havering Aligned Residents Association Group supported faith groups, they did not believe a new champion was necessary, citing existing relationships with faith communities and the potential burden on council staff.

Climate Emergency Declaration Rescinded

Following considerable debate, a motion by the Reform UK Havering Group to rescind the council's previous Climate Emergency declaration was agreed as the substantive motion by 32 votes to 13, with 1 abstention. An amendment proposed by the Havering Aligned Residents Association Group, which sought to review the Climate Emergency Strategy rather than rescind it, was not agreed. The approved motion states that future environmental activity will be considered through a balanced framework focusing on affordability, value for money, statutory responsibility, deliverability, resident impact, and local environmental benefit. The council will no longer pursue environmental or net zero-related policies that place unnecessary costs or pressure on residents, motorists, businesses, or essential services.

Call for ULEZ Transparency and Investment

A motion by the Reform UK Havering Group calling for greater transparency from the Mayor of London and Transport for London (TfL) regarding ULEZ revenue and reinvestment in Havering was agreed as the substantive motion without division. The motion highlights the unique transport challenges faced by outer London boroughs like Havering and expresses concern over the lack of transparency surrounding ULEZ revenue generated from Havering residents, Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) revenue collected within the borough, and the proportion of ULEZ-related funding reinvested locally. The council calls for a full breakdown of ULEZ and PCN revenue, scrappage funding, and transport and environmental reinvestment by borough, and urges TfL to allocate a fairer share of funding to Havering for local pollution reduction initiatives, transport improvements, and other environmental projects. An amendment by the Havering Aligned Residents Association Group, which sought to include specific data on emissions and the impact of the M25 and A127 on Havering's air quality, was not agreed.

Petitions Presented

Three petitions were presented to the council:

• Councillor Julie Wilkes presented a petition requesting the installation of CCTV at the junction of Maybank Avenue and Lancaster Drive to address illegal parking.
• Councillor Stephanie Nunn presented a petition from residents of Kilmartin Way requesting the introduction of a one-way system due to safety concerns regarding the road's width.
• Councillor Matthew Stanton presented a petition from residents of Waldon Avenue and Queens Gardens calling for traffic calming measures to combat speeding.

Announcements

Mayor Councillor Maggie Themistocli announced her chosen charity for her mayoral year as CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young). The Leader of the Council, Councillor Keith Prince, detailed the council's published 100-day plan, highlighting actions taken to prevent HMOs, reduce temporary accommodation, and plans for future long-term strategies. The Chief Executive thanked members for agreeing to the change of date for the council meeting, which was moved to avoid school holidays.

Members' Questions

Several questions were addressed to the council, including:

• Councillor Sue Ospreay asked the Leader of the Council, Councillor Keith Prince, about the costs associated with clearing contaminated land at Launders Lane and how the council would afford it. Councillor Prince assured that the council would pursue enforcement action against the landowner and explore lobbying DEFRA and the Environment Agency for funding.
• Councillor Martin Goode questioned Councillor Terry Brown, Cabinet Member for Planning, regarding planning applications for additional bedrooms and the council's awareness and due diligence processes. Councillor Brown acknowledged the need for greater awareness and mentioned the upcoming introduction of a borough-wide Article 4 directive to simplify the process for HMOs.
• Councillor Trevor McKeever asked Councillor Terry Brown about Havering's approach to violence against women and girls. Councillor Brown detailed the use of local data and multi-agency partnerships to target support and preventative activity.
• Councillor Stephanie Nunn inquired about the future of the Bromford Master Plan. Councillor Robert Whitton, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, stated that while the current plan would be replaced, it would be built upon, with a new Bromford Town Centre Master Plan and a new local plan for the entire borough being developed.
• Councillor Darren Wise asked Councillor Keith Prince about the ongoing issues at Gallows Corner. Councillor Prince provided an update on engagement with TfL and Essex and Suffolk Water, expressing dissatisfaction with the lack of transparency and communication, and reiterated the mid-October deadline for resolution.
• Councillor Matt Stanton raised concerns about parcel theft. Councillor Terry Brown advised residents on preventative measures and reporting procedures, and agreed to explore the feasibility of installing parcel lockers across the borough.
• Councillor Gillian Ford questioned Councillor Keith Prince about property purchases and out-of-borough placements. Councillor Prince confirmed the council's commitment to ensuring new homes meet local needs and that they are robustly challenging the practice of other boroughs placing residents in Havering.
• Councillor Martin Goode asked Councillor Sue Benjamins, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance, about council debt and overspend. Councillor Benjamins provided details on the council's financial position, highlighting prudent controls that had reduced the feared borrowing requirement, and expressed optimism for future financial stability.
• Councillor Kimberley Gould asked Councillor Graham Day, Cabinet Member for Adults and Health Care, about reopening closed libraries. Councillor Day spoke about the importance of libraries as centres of learning and democracy, and outlined plans to reopen them with a focus on modern services, technology, and community activities.