Waltham Forest Council met on 17 July 2025, and after observing a moment of silence for the victims of the 7/7 attacks and others, councillors discussed a range of issues including play and community spaces, the borough's financial situation, and parking fees. A motion to support and improve play opportunities for children was passed, and several appointments to committees and outside bodies were agreed.

Play and Community Spaces

The council passed a motion to improve play opportunities for children in the borough. The motion:

• Acknowledged the importance of play for children's development.
• Welcomed investment in inclusive play facilities, the 'Child-friendly Chingford' programme, the emphasis on play in early years education, school streets, partnerships with organisations like Soho Theatre Walthamstow¹, the Space4All programme, and the installation of play-based fountains.
• Resolved to support the national campaign on the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) to protect play space, continue to invest in playgrounds and parks, establish a Together We Play fund of £50,000, support the campaign to remove 'No Ball Games' signs, and create an online play directory.

Councillors Emma Best and Catherine Saumarez proposed amendments to the motion, including opposing building on publicly accessible green spaces, introducing a School Streets Programme in areas without Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs), and ensuring the continuation of family hub and youth activities in South Chingford following the sale of the Paradox Centre. The amendments were defeated in a recorded vote.

During the debate, councillors including Councillor Shumon Ali-Rahman, Councillor Kischa Green, Councillor Justin Halabi, Councillor John Moss, Councillor Jenny Gray, Councillor Afzal Akram and Councillor Catherine Saumarez spoke on the motion.

Alexandra Martinelli-Kinmonth, founder of the Together Space, and Wendy Fields, CEO of the Lloyd Park Children's Charity, spoke during public statements about the importance of inclusive play and community-powered play opportunities.

Council Finances and Local Issues

Councillor Grace Williams, Leader of the Council, reported on the council's financial management, highlighting challenges in adult and children's services. She mentioned a Local Government Association (LGA) peer review report and achievements in social housing and Ofsted inspections. She also noted the impact of funding cuts since 2010 and the Fair Deal for Waltham Forest campaign². Councillor Williams announced actions to respond to the local government finance reform consultation, including a meeting with the Minister for Local Government.

Several members' questions related to local issues were raised. Councillor Emma Best asked if the Leader would meet with businesses on Station Road to discuss changes to parking fees. Councillor Williams responded that there had been engagement at every level and that she continues to engage with businesses often.

Councillor Jemma Hemsted asked why residents in Valley ward should feel grateful for the new Marks and Spencers in Leytonstone. Councillor Williams said that all councillors are required to represent the borough as a whole and decisions are made for the best interests of town centres across the borough.

Public Space Protection Order (PSPO)

Councillor Justin Halabi asked for figures on the types of infractions that constitute the 2,500 fines issued since the PSPO was brought in. Councillor Khevyn Limbajee, Portfolio Lead Member for Community Safety, agreed to provide the information in writing and provide a member's briefing on the PSPO consultation.

Parking and Traffic

Councillor Afzal Akram asked whether the signage on Cherrydown Avenue could be increased due to the high numbers of Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) being issued, and that any money from the fines were ringfenced for roads and pavements in the area. Councillor Williams said that the request had been reviewed and she would provide a full written response.

Councillor Jemma Hemsted asked what was being done to stop businesses shutting down in Cherrydown Avenue. Councillor Williams said that officers had been engaging with businesses about signage and loading provisions.

Councillor Kay Isa asked how many tickets had been issued compared to the previous year. Councillor Williams said that she would check and provide a written response.

Housing Developments

Councillor John Moss asked for more detail on the completion dates of pipeline developments. Councillor Williams agreed to provide this in a written response.

Councillor Emma Best asked if the Leader could rule out any building on any parks in Waltham Forest. Councillor Williams said that any developments were required to follow national planning law and could provide a written response on the technical answer about development on any verdant green spaces.

Appointments

The council made the following appointments:

• Councillor Richard Sweden to the Scrutiny Coordinating Committee, replacing Councillor Keith Rayner.
• Councillor Raja Anwar to the Licensing Act 2003 Committee, Licensing General Committee and Gambling Act 2005 Committee.
• Councillor Keith Rayner as Vice-Chair of the Pension Fund Committee, replacing Councillor Jenny Gray.
• Jane Morris as an employer representative on the Pension Board, replacing Natasha Brown.
• Councillor Terry Wheeler as representative to the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, replacing Councillor Rosalind Doré.