The Cabinet of Havering Council met on Tuesday 24 February 2026 to discuss several key regeneration projects and the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) business plan. Decisions were made to approve business plans for Rainham and Beam Park, Bridge Close, and the Havering Wates Regeneration Joint Venture, alongside the HRA budget and capital programme.

Rainham and Beam Park Business Plan Update

Cabinet approved the business plan update for the Rainham and Beam Park regeneration project. This plan outlines the management strategy for commercial and residential sites now owned by the council, as well as a placemaking strategy to influence future development. The council will provide financial support to implement these strategies, and authorised officers to take necessary actions, including appointing consultants. The approval comes amidst ongoing efforts to secure the development of Beam Park station, with a positive announcement from the Mayor of London expected in the coming months. Councillor Graham Williamson, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, highlighted the importance of the station for the area's regeneration and the council's continued lobbying efforts.

Bridge Close Regeneration LLP Business Plan Refresh

The Cabinet approved the draft Bridge Close Regeneration LLP Business Plan for 2026-2027. This includes agreeing to provide the necessary budget for the regeneration of Bridge Close, which will be included in the proposed HRA Capital Programme. Authority was delegated to the Leader of the Council to approve detailed business cases, funding, and legal agreements. The plan also noted ongoing discussions regarding the relocation of the Havering Islamic Community Centre (HICC) and the acquisition of land for a school and emergency fire access route. Councillor Graham Williamson stated that the council's hybrid planning application for Bridge Close had been approved, and the Department for Education had reaffirmed its commitment to grant funding for the new primary school.

Havering Wates Regeneration Joint Venture Business Plan

The Havering Wates Regeneration Joint Venture Business Plan for 2026/27 was approved by Cabinet. This approval includes delegating authority to the Strategic Director of Place to enter into pre-construction services agreements, an overarching framework contract, and a demolition contract for Phase 1 of the Farnham and Hilldene regeneration. Authority was also granted to progress land appropriations and acquire outstanding property interests, including a potential land swap with St Andrew’s Church Hall. The plan acknowledges that work on later phases of the 12 Estates programme is currently paused. Councillor Graham Williamson emphasised that these regeneration proposals demonstrate the council's commitment to delivering housing opportunities at scale, particularly affordable housing, at a time when private developments are facing challenges.

Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Business Plan Update, Budget and Capital Programme

Cabinet approved the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Business Plan Update, Budget for 2026/27, and Capital Programme for 2026/27 to 2030/31. This includes an agreed rent increase of 4.8% for tenants in general needs, supported housing, and temporary accommodation properties, effective from April 2026. Service charges, heating and hot water charges, and garage charges will also increase by 4.8%. The plan also details significant investment of over £160 million over the next five years to maintain and improve existing social housing stock, including new kitchens, bathrooms, central heating, and upgrades to roofs and windows. Furthermore, the HRA Major Works Capital Programme and capital expenditure for regeneration opportunities were approved and will be referred to full Council for ratification. Councillor Paul McGeary, Lead Member for Housing and Property, highlighted the significant investment in maintaining and upgrading the council's social housing stock, in line with new regulatory changes such as the Social Housing Act 2023 and Awaab's Law. He also noted the council's strong performance in tenant satisfaction measures.

Comments from Place Overview & Scrutiny on MLH and Business Plans

Cabinet noted the recommendations from the Place Overview & Scrutiny Sub-Committee regarding the Mercury Land Holdings (MLH) Business Plan and other business plans. These recommendations included an explicit commitment that MLH will not sell units directly to other councils, which the Leader of the Council, Councillor Ray Morgon, refuted as rumour, stating a press release had been issued to confirm this. Further information on the impact of MLH developments on reducing temporary accommodation demand was requested, with officers agreeing to develop a dashboard to illustrate this. Cabinet also confirmed broad agreement on the recommendation for MLH to explicitly state its commitment to supporting the council's Social Value Strategy. The Sub-Committee also requested that future business plans be presented for scrutiny at an earlier stage, with officers agreeing to endeavour to produce reports as early as possible.