The Place Overview & Scrutiny Sub-Committee of Havering Council is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 15 September 2026. The meeting's agenda includes discussions on establishing a task and finish group to examine homelessness and rough sleeping, endorsing a draft scrutiny working protocol, and agreeing items for the committee's work programme for the upcoming year.

Proposed Task and Finish Group on Homelessness and Rough Sleeping

A provisional item on the agenda is a proposal for the Sub-Committee to establish a task and finish group dedicated to examining homelessness and rough sleeping. This group would likely undertake a detailed investigation into the issue, gathering evidence and potentially proposing recommendations for the Council.

Endorsement of the Draft Scrutiny Working Protocol

The Sub-Committee is scheduled to consider the endorsement of a draft Scrutiny Working Protocol. This protocol aims to provide a practical framework for the collaboration between the Council's Cabinet and its scrutiny functions. It is designed to foster constructive challenge, promote transparent decision-making, and ensure effective governance. The protocol outlines expectations for early engagement, information sharing, work programming, and the conduct of members and officers, with the goal of enhancing the effectiveness of scrutiny for new and existing members.

Consideration of Recommendations for Effective Scrutiny

The meeting will also involve a review of recommendations aimed at strengthening the effectiveness of scrutiny for the 2026/27 period. These recommendations stem from an annual review of the Overview and Scrutiny Board's work programme. The Sub-Committee will be asked to decide which of these recommendations should be referred to the Cabinet for consideration, which operational recommendations should be implemented, and which, if any, should not be progressed. The report highlights that effective scrutiny acts as a critical friend to the executive, using evidence-based, non-political challenge to drive improvement and focus on residents' priorities.

Agreeing Items for the 2026/27 Work Programme

A significant part of the meeting will be dedicated to agreeing the items for the Place Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee's work programme for 2026/27. The report outlines principles for effective work programming, emphasising a Member-led approach that aligns scrutiny activity with forthcoming decisions, strategic priorities, and emerging risks. The Sub-Committee will be invited to identify and prioritise topics where scrutiny can add value, influence decisions, and improve outcomes for residents, considering factors such as resident impact, strategic relevance, risk, and available capacity. The remit of the Place Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee covers a broad range of areas including Housing & Accommodation Services, Planning, Highways, Waste & Recycling, and Climate Change.