The Place Overview & Scrutiny Sub-Committee of Havering Council was scheduled to consider a range of important topics, including the business plan for Mercury Land Holdings, updates on the food waste service, and a review of the School Streets Programme. The committee's agenda also included discussions on the Active Travel Strategy and Homes in Multiple Occupancy (HMOs).

Pre-Decision Scrutiny - Mercury Land Holdings Business Plan

A significant item on the agenda was the pre-decision scrutiny of the business plan for Mercury Land Holdings. This plan outlines the company's strategy and financial projections for the upcoming year. The report pack indicates that this item was scheduled for discussion, with a report to follow.

Homes in Multiple Occupancy (HMOs)

The sub-committee was scheduled to receive an update on Homes in Multiple Occupancy (HMOs) in Havering. This discussion was expected to cover the overall situation with HMOs, including both licensed and unlicensed properties. Information was to be presented on the HMO Consultation Response, the number of suspected unlicensed HMOs reported, inspections conducted, and enforcement actions taken. The agenda also indicated a request for details on the total number of HMOs, broken down by ward.

During a previous meeting on 4 November 2025, officers had provided an update on HMOs. At that time, members had requested information on the HMO Consultation Response, reports of suspected unlicensed HMOs, inspections, and enforcement measures. The previous discussion also included details on unlicensed HMOs and the total number of HMOs by ward. Officers had presented consultation outcomes and enforcement data, with members raising questions about methodology, ward selection, and data accuracy. The consultation, which exceeded the statutory minimum duration, received over 403 responses, with residents generally supportive and landlords expressing opposition. Concerns were raised about licence fees, proposed conditions, and the burden on landlords. Wards for licensing schemes were selected based on private rented sector concentration and evidence of disrepair or crime. Members had also expressed concern about incomplete or miscategorised data due to software limitations. Enforcement activities, including civil penalties and criminal prosecutions, were detailed, with challenges in debt recovery and resource constraints noted. The committee had previously agreed on recommendations to develop a communications plan for tenant rights and licensing requirements, provide updated data by ward, share a briefing note on planning and licensing interactions for HMOs, and refer the issue of outdated ward boundaries and data accuracy to the Audit Committee.

Active Travel Strategy Consultation

The sub-committee was scheduled to scrutinise the Active Travel Plan Cabinet Report as part of a pre-decision arrangement. This involved reviewing the Active Travel Strategy Consultation document and the Active Travel Summary, which together present a 15-year vision for promoting walking, cycling, and other sustainable modes of transport. The strategy's objectives include reducing car dependency, improving connectivity, and supporting health and environmental goals, with targets such as increasing active travel trips and achieving Vision Zero by 2030. The report pack indicated that the strategy aims to integrate behavioural change programmes, infrastructure improvements, and complementary measures like cycle storage.

During a previous meeting, members had discussed the borough's geographic advantages for cycling and proposed strategic and leisure routes, emphasising the need for quieter routes and stronger links with neighbouring boroughs. Funding sources, including Transport for London (TfL) grants, Section 106 agreements, and Community Infrastructure Levy, were outlined. Concerns were raised about delivery speed, integration with public transport, and the need for systematic monitoring. Recommendations previously agreed included strengthening the strategy's focus on public transport interaction, embedding active travel infrastructure requirements into the Infrastructure Delivery Plan, increasing the promotion of national active travel campaigns, providing secure cycle storage, and having an officer attend London Road Safety Council meetings. The strategy was also to be routinely presented to applicants during pre-application planning advice.

Food Waste Service Update

A report was scheduled to be presented on the Food Waste Service, highlighting its role in delivering Havering's Climate Change Action Plan 2024-2027. The discussion was expected to cover the introduction of food waste collections for households, in line with the Environment Act 2021, which mandates weekly separate food waste collections by 31 March 2026. The report indicated that Havering has received capital funding of £1.89m towards vehicles and containers, with a shortfall of £1.3m to be covered by capital borrowing. The delivery of food waste collection vehicles was anticipated for September-October 2026, with procurement of caddies and liners underway. The council has allocated £4.0m annually for service costs, with an expectation that DEFRA will fund approximately £1.5m annually. The Communications Team was to continue updating the public on the service rollout. The sub-committee was noted to have noted the report as the time available for its consideration had elapsed.

School Streets Programme Review

The sub-committee was scheduled to review the School Streets Programme, noting its alignment with national and local transport policies. The programme's development since 2020, its evolution through four phases, and the assessment criteria, including school support and TfL accreditation, were to be outlined. The delivery process, involving consultation, experimental traffic orders, and follow-up consultation, was also to be discussed. Monitoring data from the first three phases, showing a reduction in killed and seriously injured incidents near schools and improved perceptions of safety, was to be presented. Supporting measures such as walking maps, pedestrian zones, and cycle training were to be highlighted.

Concerns were expected to be raised regarding traffic displacement, enforcement challenges, and the effectiveness of modal shift. Officers were to explain that hands-up surveys provide modal data and that enforcement is managed through cameras and operational plans. Issues around Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) volumes, whitelist errors, and persistent non-compliance were also to be discussed. Recommendations previously proposed included reviewing enforcement strategies, improving consultation processes and communication, exploring systematic traffic impact assessments, considering measures for schools ineligible for School Streets, and reviewing the potential for special enforcement zones.

Chairman's Announcements, Apologies, Disclosure of Interests, and Minutes

The meeting was scheduled to begin with the Chairman's announcements, including arrangements for fire or other emergencies. Apologies for absence and the announcement of any substitute members were to be received. Members were invited to disclose any interests in the agenda items. Finally, the minutes of the previous meeting held on 4 November 2025 were to be approved as a correct record and authorised for signing by the Chairman.