The Cabinet of Waltham Forest Council scheduled a meeting to discuss a range of topics, including a senior management restructure, the council's financial performance, and progress on health inequalities.

Senior Management Restructure

A significant item on the agenda was a report on the outcome of a consultation regarding a senior management restructure. The consultation, which took place between 7 May and 20 June 2025, involved staff and trade unions. The report summarised the feedback received and outlined proposed changes to senior management positions, including those at Corporate Director, Assistant Director, and Head of Service level.

The proposals included deleting 34 full-time equivalent (FTE) posts and creating 25 new ones. The report noted that the changes were designed to address financial pressures and improve the council's ability to deliver its strategic priorities. Councillor Paul Douglas, Portfolio Lead Member for Finance and Resources, was expected to present the proposals, which aimed to streamline management structures and clarify accountabilities.

The report also highlighted the importance of aligning the restructure with the council's Inclusion Action Plan, with a focus on promoting diversity and addressing gender and ethnicity pay gaps. An Equalities Impact Assessment (EQIA) was conducted to assess the potential effects of the restructure on staff with protected characteristics, and mitigating actions were proposed to address any disproportionalities.

The report stated that if the proposals were implemented, it would be the equivalent of a 14% reduction in senior management positions. It also stated that the changes would contribute additional savings to the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS).

The report included several appendices:

• Appendix A - Senior Management Restructure - Consultation Proposal Report
• Appendix C - Decision Report_Senior Management Restructure 2025
• Appendix Ci - Annex CDecision ReportFinal To Be Structure Charts
• Appendix Cii - Annex DSMR Decision ReportDeleted Created Amended Roles

Capital and Revenue Outturn 2024-25

The Cabinet was also scheduled to discuss the council's capital and revenue outturn for the 2024-25 financial year. The report provided an update on the final year-end position for revenue expenditure, capital expenditure, the Housing Revenue Account (HRA), and the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) as of 31 March 2025.

The report assessed the effect on the council's funds and balances and provided explanations for major variances. It noted that the council continued to operate in financially uncertain times, with high demand for adult's and children's social care services and increasing costs of temporary accommodation.

The report included several appendices:

• Appendix 1 - Revenue Outturn Service Narrative
• Appendix 2 - Capital Outturn Narrative
• Appendix 3 - Provisions and Resreves
• Appendix 4 - Capital Slippage and Accelerations
• Appendix 5 - Equalities Screener

One Year of the Marmot Response

The Cabinet was scheduled to discuss a report on the first year of Waltham Forest's response to the Marmot Review. The report summarised progress against six Marmot Accelerators focused on addressing health inequalities in the borough. These accelerators targeted specific areas, including:

• Good work for residents with disabilities and long-term health conditions
• Good work for South Asian women
• Healthier homes for private renters
• Healthier homes for older residents
• Greener and healthier places for communities in the south of the borough
• Greener and healthier places for residents most at risk of food poverty

The report highlighted the integration of Marmot principles into key strategic documents, such as the Housing Strategy, and the implementation of a Health in All Policies process. It also provided case studies demonstrating the impact of programmes aligned with the Marmot commitments on residents' lives. Councillor Louise Mitchell, Portfolio Lead Member for Adults and Health, was expected to present the report.

The report included several appendices:

• Appendix 1 - Draft Marmot - 1 Year Review
• Appendix 2 - Equalities Screener

Waltham Forest Housing Compact - Annual Report 2024/25

The Cabinet was also scheduled to review the annual report for the Waltham Forest Housing Compact, a partnership between the council and registered housing providers. The compact aims to raise standards and deliver shared priorities for social housing in the borough. The report provided an overview of work completed and plans for the coming year, focusing on areas such as domestic abuse, community safety, and youth engagement. Councillor Ahsan Khan, Deputy Leader (Housing and Regeneration), was expected to present the report.

The report included one appendix:

• Appendix 1 - Housing Compact Annual Report 24251

Procurement Policy Update 2025

The Cabinet was scheduled to discuss an update to the council's Procurement Policy. The updated policy aligns with the Procurement Act 2023 and the National Procurement Policy Statement (NPPS) 2025, aiming to ensure ethical, sustainable, and inclusive procurement practices. The policy supports the council's strategic objectives under Mission Waltham Forest, including addressing climate change, promoting equality, and fostering innovation. Councillor Paul Douglas, Portfolio Lead Member for Finance and Resources, was expected to present the update.

The report included several appendices:

• Appendix 1 - Procurement Policy
• Appendix 2 - Equalities Screener

Other Business

The agenda also included routine items such as apologies for absence, declarations of interest, and approval of the minutes from the previous meeting. Additionally, the Cabinet was expected to consider excluding the press and public from a portion of the meeting to discuss confidential information related to the senior management restructure.