The Communities and Public Protection Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 16 September 2026. The meeting's agenda includes discussions on community cohesion and resilience, the implementation of the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026, and the committee's future work programme. Updates are also expected from the North East BCU Independent Advisory Group and the Metropolitan Police Service.

Community Cohesion and Resilience

A report is scheduled for discussion regarding community cohesion and resilience in Waltham Forest. The report indicates that community cohesion in the borough is generally strong, with high levels of belonging and neighbourhood satisfaction. However, it also highlights that the benefits of cohesion are not experienced equally across all communities, and strengthening inclusion, participation, and trust remains a priority. The approach to community cohesion is structured around four pillars: strengthening community relationships, tackling hate crime, preventing radicalisation and extremism, and monitoring community tensions. The report details the activities undertaken within each pillar, intended outcomes, and the governance arrangements in place, including the Community Safety Partnership and the Community Cohesion Board. It also outlines key performance indicators and discusses challenges such as the under-reporting of hate crime and the impact of online harms.

Implementation of the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026

The committee is set to review the implications of the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 for Waltham Forest Council. The report outlines the new enforcement responsibilities for Trading Standards, Premises Licensing, and Public Health, and details the preparations being made by these departments. The Act introduces measures such as a progressive prohibition on the sale of tobacco products to individuals born after 1 January 2009, aiming to create a smoke-free generation. It also includes measures to reduce youth access to vaping products, strengthen product regulation, and introduce a mandatory licensing scheme for tobacco, vape, and nicotine retailers. The report details the existing legislative framework, key changes introduced by the Act, and the timeline for its implementation, with several provisions coming into effect in October 2026 and January 2027. The implications for the council include increased enforcement activity, the potential development of a significant new licensing function, and the need for updated enforcement policies and training.

The Scrutiny Report

The committee will consider its future work programme, reviewing suggested items for the 2026-27 forward plan and making additional suggestions. The report also invites the committee to review and comment on the Action Tracker, which details actions required of officers from previous meetings and their current status. A Recommendation Tracker, which captures the committee's conclusions on how services should change or improve, will also be presented. The report notes that there are no key decisions currently falling under the remit of this committee. The committee will be asked to review the suggested items for the 2026-27 Scrutiny Committee Forward Plan, which outlines the committee's work programme, factoring in statutory reports, major decisions, and policy areas of interest.

North East BCU Independent Advisory Group Update

A verbal update is scheduled from the Chair of the North East BCU Independent Advisory Group. This update is expected to cover current community safety priorities and performance.

Metropolitan Police Borough Update

The committee will receive a verbal update from the Metropolitan Police Service. This update will focus on current community safety activities and priorities within the borough.