The Cabinet of Havering Council met on Wednesday 18 September 2024, approving several key policies and strategies. Decisions made included the adoption of new policies on Hate Crime, Domestic Abuse, and Anti-Social Behaviour within Housing Services, the approval of the SEND & Alternative Provision Strategy, and the renewal of energy contracts for 2024-28. The Cabinet also agreed to the publication of the Draft Romford Masterplan for public consultation and approved the Council's Commercial Strategy.

Romford Masterplan Formal Consultation

Cabinet agreed to the publication of the Draft Romford Masterplan and associated documents for a minimum 6-week statutory public consultation. This consultation is anticipated to begin in late September 2024. The documents to be published include the Final Consultation Draft Romford Masterplan, a Baseline Report with a Heritage Audit appendix, Engagement Summary Reports from 2024 and 2019, a Health Impact Assessment from 2024, and a Findings of No Significant Effect Report. Councillor Graham Williamson, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, presented the report, noting that a briefing with Romford Ward councillors was scheduled and that ongoing discussions would be held via the Overview & Scrutiny Board.

Housing Services Hate Crime Policy (2024)

The Cabinet approved the Housing Services Hate Crime Policy (2024). Councillor Paul McGeary, Cabinet Member for Housing and Property, presented the report, explaining that the policy defines hate crime, outlines its various forms, and details the consequences for perpetrators and the support available to victims and witnesses. The policy aligns with other relevant Council Housing policies, including those on Domestic Abuse and Anti-Social Behaviour. The Cabinet agreed that approving this policy would benefit resident safety and the Council's reputation by clearly communicating its stance on hate crime.

Housing Services Domestic Abuse Policy (2024)

The Cabinet approved the Housing Services Domestic Abuse Policy (2024). Councillor Paul McGeary presented the report, which outlines the Council's position on domestic abuse affecting its tenants and leaseholders. The policy defines key terms, explains how to report incidents, details Housing Services' procedures for dealing with reports, outlines consequences for perpetrators, and specifies support available to victims. This policy is a requirement from the Social Housing Regulator and aligns with the Council's Hate Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour policies.

Housing Anti-Social Behaviour Policy (2024)

The Cabinet approved the Housing Services Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Policy (2024). Councillor Paul McGeary presented the report, which details the Council's approach to tackling ASB within its housing stock. The policy defines ASB, outlines the Council's preventative and enforcement strategies, and details the remedial actions available, including informal interventions, Acceptable Behaviour Contracts, injunctions, and eviction. It also specifies support for victims and witnesses. The policy aligns with the Council's Domestic Abuse and Hate Crime policies and is a requirement from the Social Housing Regulator.

SEND & Alternative Provision Strategy

The Cabinet agreed to the Special Educational Needs, Disability (SEND) and Alternative Provision (AP) Strategy 2024-2028. Councillor Oscar Ford, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, presented the report, which outlines the partnership's five-year programme to improve outcomes for Havering families with SEND. The strategy is organised around six priorities: Participation & Communication, Inclusion, Support Services & Sufficiency, Preparing for Adulthood, Leadership & Governance, and Performance. The document is primarily aimed at Havering families and is written in accessible language.

Energy Contracts 2024-28 - Renewal

The Cabinet approved the renewal of energy contracts for 2024-28, authorising the Council to enter into an access agreement with Kent County Council, trading as LASER, to utilise their framework agreements for Electricity and Gas. The electricity supply contract was awarded to Npower Commercial Gas Limited for an estimated value of £14 million over four years, with an option to extend. The gas supply contract was awarded to Corona Energy Retail 4 Ltd for an estimated value of £7.2 million over four years, with a one-year extension option. The Cabinet also approved the use of LASER's 'Price Certainty' energy buying strategy and their 'Procurement Only Service Option' (POSO). Councillor Paul McGeary, Cabinet Member for Housing and Property, presented the report, highlighting the significant cost savings anticipated from this approach.

Council's Commercial Strategy

The Cabinet approved the Council's Commercial Strategy 2024-2029 and its accompanying Action Plan. Councillor Ray Morgon, Leader of the Council, presented the report, which aims to consolidate the organisation's approach to commercial activities and foster synergy among teams. The strategy is built on four strategic priorities: Governance, Commercial Capability, Communication & Marketing, and Data & Technology. The Cabinet also agreed to the resourcing of the Strategic and Operational Boards that will oversee the implementation of the strategy.

North East London Joint Sexual & Reproductive Health Strategy (2024 – 2029)

The Cabinet approved and adopted the North East London Joint Sexual & Reproductive Health Strategy (2024-2029). Councillor Gillian Ford, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Care services, presented the report, which aims to support the delivery of high-quality, accessible, and equitable sexual and reproductive health services across North East London. The Cabinet also approved the proposed governance arrangements under the Havering Place-based Partnership for the oversight of the development and implementation of a local action plan. The strategy was previously endorsed by the Havering Health and Wellbeing Board in July 2024.