The Council meeting on 4 September 2024 saw significant debate and decisions regarding the future of the borough's libraries and building safety regulations. After extensive discussion, the council voted to recognise that the administration is considering all options for libraries, including conversion to multi-use venues, rather than immediately halting closures. In a separate decision, the council agreed to update the Local Plan to include stricter building safety requirements for major developments and tall buildings, going beyond current legal requirements.

Proposed Library Closures

The council debated a motion to immediately halt the closure of any libraries and convert those under threat into multi-use venues. An amendment from the Labour Group called for a halt to consideration of closures until all financial means were examined and consultation outcomes were known, also proposing a review of multi-use venue conversions. A further amendment from the Havering Residents' Association Group stated that the administration was considering all options, including multi-use venues.

Following debate, the Labour Group's amendment was not carried. The amendment from the Havering Residents' Association Group was agreed as the substantive motion. Therefore, the council resolved: The Members of this Council recognise this Administration is considering all options before any closure of libraries in the Borough, including the conversion of libraries under threat into multi-use venues for existing Council services.

Building Safety

A motion from the Conservative Group called for the Havering Local Plan to be updated to include stricter building safety requirements, going above and beyond legal requirements, as achieved by Kensington and Chelsea, in light of the Grenfell Inquiry report. An amendment from the Havering Residents' Association Group called for the forthcoming review of the Local Plan to consider stricter building safety requirements for major developments and tall buildings, going beyond the current London Plan and reflecting emerging legislation. A further amendment from the Labour Group called for the Local Plan to robustly evidence minimum regulatory building safety requirements and, as far as practicable, go above and beyond legal requirements.

Following debate, the amendment from the Havering Residents' Association Group was agreed as the substantive motion. The council resolved: This Council recognises the publication of the Grenfell Inquiry report and reaffirms our commitment to ensuring the safety of residents across the borough. This Council calls for the forthcoming review of the Local Plan to consider stricter building safety requirements for major developments and tall buildings, going above and beyond those required by the current London Plan reflecting legislation already laid and yet to emerge.

Anti-Social Behaviour in Parks

A motion from the Conservative Group recognised unacceptable levels of anti-social behaviour in parks and called for a detailed plan to reduce it. An amendment from the Havering Residents' Association Group called for a report on ongoing work to combat anti-social behaviour. A further amendment from the Labour Group called for a detailed action plan to prevent and reduce anti-social behaviour. This motion was subsequently withdrawn by the Conservative Group.

Members' Questions

Several questions were raised by councillors to Cabinet Members on various topics:

• Visitor Parking Permits: Councillor Judith Holt asked if paper visitor parking permits were still available. Councillor Barry Mugglestone, Cabinet Member for Environment, confirmed they were available in specific circumstances, such as for residents without internet access, but noted that due to low usage, their continued availability in the future was uncertain.
• Refurbishment of the A1306 Trunk Road: Councillor Matt Stanton asked about taking advantage of Transport for London (TfL) funding opportunities. Councillor Graham Williamson, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, confirmed that officers were preparing a 3-year delivery plan for TfL and exploring other funding sources, noting the original estimated cost of £15 million.
• Urbaser Contract: Councillor Martin Goode inquired about satisfaction with the weekly waste collection service. Councillor Mugglestone stated that Urbaser was performing well, exceeding KPIs for missed collections and performing better than the previous contractor.
• East Havering Data Centre: Councillor Judith Holt asked about progress on setting up monthly meetings between the Planning Department and residents regarding the proposed data centre. Councillor Williamson clarified that the commitment was for meetings with corporate supporters, not specifically the Planning Team, and that the Environmental Impact Assessment would be presented to the Strategic Planning Committee.
• London Climate Resilience Review: Councillor Keith Darvill asked about actions being implemented in Havering following the review. Councillor Natasha Summers, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Housing Need, confirmed the Council endorsed the recommendations and was integrating them into its Climate Change Action Plan, contingent on funding.
• Highway Tree Maintenance: Councillor Martin Goode asked about the criteria for pruning or cutting back tree roots to prevent property damage. Councillor Mugglestone explained the current criteria focused on dead, diseased, or dangerous trees, and that for property damage claims, the burden of proof rested with the property owner.
• Highway Tree Inspections: Councillor Keith Prince questioned the frequency of street tree inspections and clarity of intervention thresholds. Councillor Mugglestone acknowledged the current 3-5 year inspection cycle and stated that proposals for increasing frequency were being reviewed due to industry pressures and the ageing tree stock.
• Traffic Enforcement Globe Road, Grange Way & Francombe Gardens: Councillor Jane Keane asked for increased traffic enforcement presence. Councillor Mugglestone stated that enforcement teams were already deployed and patrol frequency would be reviewed.
• Council Tenants Home Maintenance: Councillor Jason Frost asked if tenants were exempt from seeking permission to modify adjoining private property fencing. Councillor Paul McGeary, Cabinet Member for Housing and Property, clarified that tenants were not exempt and should seek permission from their neighbour.
• Unregistered Children's Homes: Councillor Mandy Anderson asked about the number of unregistered children's homes. Councillor Oscar Ford, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, stated that officers were aware of three such properties, a reduction from four, and that all had applied to Ofsted for registration.
• Parking Arrangements on the new Waterloo Estate: Councillor Tim Ryan questioned the reluctance to provide details on parking provision. Councillor Williamson explained the planning application details, including 370 car parking spaces and a Controlled Parking Zone, and offered for a Parking Services officer to attend a residents' meeting.
• Cottons Park Play Area: Councillor David Taylor asked about plans to ensure the play area was fit for purpose. Councillor Mugglestone outlined the existing robust inspection system by RoSPA-trained staff and confirmed minor repairs would take place later in the year.
• Funding for Road Repairs: Councillor Keith Prince asked for a list of roads benefiting from government funding. Councillor Mugglestone stated that the funding supported a variety of activities and was integrated into the highways improvement programme, making it difficult to list specific roads funded solely by the grant.
• CCTV in the Borough: Councillor Keith Prince asked for an update on the CCTV network upgrade. Councillor Mugglestone provided an update on the construction of a new control room and the phased switch to digital cameras and fibre infrastructure, with completion expected by October 2025.
• Community Safety: Councillor Keith Prince asked about discussions with the Borough Commander regarding responses to potential local disturbances. Councillor Ray Morgon, Leader of the Council, confirmed Havering Police adopted a Met-wide plan and that specialist units were on standby, with proactive visits to sensitive sites and meetings with faith leaders.

Annual Reports of Member Champions

Annual reports were received from the Member Champions for the Armed Forces, Over 50s, and the Voluntary Sector.

• Armed Forces Champion (Councillor Barry Mugglestone): Highlighted increased requests for housing support from ex-service personnel, thanked Royal British Legion branches and the Metropolitan Police for their work, and noted progress on the Armed Forces Covenant.
• Member Champion for the Over 50s (Councillor Mandy Anderson): Reported on engagement with residents at Holsworthy House and the Over 50s Forum, noting the significant impact of the cost of living crisis on older residents, and thanked the Resident Engagement Team for their welfare calls.
• Member Champion for the Voluntary Sector (Councillor Jacqueline McArdle): Apologised for taking the role from Councillor David Taylor and thanked him for his support. She detailed work with local charities, including Icanyoucanto and the O.A.P. Club in Rainham, and emphasised the vital importance of funding for the Havering Volunteer Centre, highlighting its significant economic cost avoidance.

Youth Justice Service Strategy 2024-2027

Council approved and endorsed the Havering Youth Justice Plan 2024-2027. The plan outlines the strategic direction for the service, focusing on areas such as reducing re-offending, addressing disproportionality, improving education, training, and employment outcomes, and reducing serious youth violence. The report noted a 15.2% increase in Havering's child population over the last decade and acknowledged challenges related to the cost-of-living crisis and mental health referrals. The plan detailed progress made in addressing recommendations from a previous HMIP inspection, including improvements in leadership, governance, prevention, and workforce development. Benchmarking data was presented, showing Havering's performance in areas such as First Time Entrants, custody rates, and reoffending rates compared to regional averages. The plan also outlined priorities for the coming year, including strengthening partnerships, improving data collection, and focusing on the voice of the child.