At a meeting of the Waltham Forest Council Cabinet, the Inclusive Growth and Economy Framework was approved, alongside a plan to consult on changes to the Fairer Contributions Policy, and a new Housing Repairs and Maintenance Policy. The council also agreed to cease offering catering services to schools from April 2026.

Fairer Contributions Policy

Cabinet agreed to launch a public consultation on proposed changes to the Fairer Contributions Policy, specifically a phased reduction of the discretionary uplift applied to the Minimum Income Guarantee (MIG) for adults receiving non-residential care. Councillor Louise Mitchell, Portfolio Lead Member for Adults and Health, explained that the proposal was driven by the need to make £25 million in savings over the next three years and would bring Waltham Forest in line with other London boroughs.

The proposal involves reducing the MIG uplift in two phases:

• From 25% to 10% in 2025/26
• From 10% to 0% in 2026/27

The consultation, scheduled for May to August 2025, aims to gather feedback on the potential impact of these changes and identify appropriate support measures for affected service users. Councillor Grace Williams, Council Leader, emphasised that any actions taken would prioritise the support of the most vulnerable residents.

According to the meeting agenda, the statutory MIG levels for single adults in 2025/26 are:

• 18-24 years: £89.15 per week
• 25-64 years: £112.50 per week
• 65+ years: £232.60 per week

The council currently applies a 25% uplift to these figures.

Inclusive Growth and Economy Framework

The Cabinet approved the Inclusive Growth and Economy Framework, a strategy designed to create a fairer and more equal borough. Councillor Naheed Asghar, Portfolio Lead Member – Inclusive Economy, highlighted the importance of ensuring every 'front door' to the council provides access to support, particularly for residents in temporary accommodation¹. Councillor Ahsan Khan, Deputy Leader (Housing and Regeneration), added that the framework aligns with the council's values and sets out an action plan to address inequality through growth.

The framework is structured around five pillars:

• Exemplar Design
• Place Based Growth
• Equitable Productivity and Innovation
• Relationship Centered Approach
• Community Wealth

The framework will target specific communities, including residents in temporary accommodation, adults with learning disabilities, young black men, and black and South Asian women.

School Catering Services

Cabinet agreed to cease offering catering services to schools from 1 April 2026, when the current service level agreements (SLAs) expire. Councillor Kizzy Gardiner, Portfolio Lead Member - Children and Young People, explained that the decision was driven by financial pressures, with the service costing the council approximately £600,000 more than it receives to deliver it. She noted that over 200 catering staff would transfer to new providers via TUPE².

Councillor Gardiner stated that the service was optional and could be delivered more efficiently without a reduction in quality. Councillor Williams thanked Councillor Gardiner and the catering staff for their work.

Housing Repairs and Maintenance Policy

The Cabinet approved the proposed Housing Repairs and Maintenance Policy. Councillor Khan stated that the new policy incorporated learning from ombudsman complaints and feedback from tenants and leaseholders. Councillor Williams thanked Councillor Khan and the housing team for their work in supporting the council’s regulatory inspection.

Other Business

Councillor Rosalind Doré, Portfolio Lead Member - Libraries, Culture and Sports & Leisure, congratulated Leyton Orient Football Club on their achievements and wished them luck for an upcoming match.