Councillor Alex Holmes
Email: Alex.Holmes@redbridge.gov.uk
Council: Redbridge
Council Profile: View on council website
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Positions, Voting Record & Activity Summary
Councillor Alex Holmes has demonstrated a consistent and evolving commitment to Redbridge Council over his years of service, with a pronounced focus on the well-being of young people and the equitable treatment of vulnerable residents, particularly in his most recent activities.
Key Themes and Priorities:
Across his council service, Holmes has consistently prioritized the welfare of children and young people, as well as advocating for vulnerable communities. His work has spanned areas such as the cost and standard of placements for looked-after young people, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision, and ensuring equitable access to services. More recently, his focus has broadened to include direct engagement with ward-specific issues, such as social housing eligibility and the protection of natural assets.
Evolution of Focus:
While Holmes has maintained a strong dedication to youth services, his recent activities show an expansion of his engagement. In earlier years (2024-2025), his leadership as Chair of the Children and Young People Policy Development Committee (PDC) was central. By 2026, while still deeply involved in youth-related matters, his role as a Valentines ward representative became more prominent, leading to direct involvement in policy debates on social housing and environmental protection. This suggests a progression from a committee-focused leadership to a more direct, ward-level advocacy alongside his broader council responsibilities.
Most Significant Contributions (Emphasis on Recent Years):
In 2026, Holmes was a highly visible figure. He chaired the Children and Young People Policy Development Committee, with a specific emphasis on SEND provision outside mainstream settings. Critically, he took a strong stance against the proposed increase in the income threshold for social housing eligibility, directly challenging Redbridge's methodology by stating it was >looser and less refined
< and questioning the rationale for families in temporary accommodation. His co-sponsorship of the motion >Protect and Restore Our Natural Assets
< further highlights his engagement with pressing environmental concerns.
In 2025, his leadership as Chair of the Children & Young People PDC was significant. He successfully guided the Cost and Standard of Placements for Looked After Young People
report, leading to actionable recommendations. His advocacy for improved SEND provision, including the timely issuance of EHCPs, was a cornerstone of his work. He also demonstrated a commitment to inclusivity through his motion supporting equal access for the Roma community and raised concerns about temporary accommodation placements.
In 2024, Holmes laid the groundwork for his future leadership. He advocated for improved bus stop facilities for vulnerable individuals and took on a role within the Clean and Green PDC. His early involvement in addressing The Cost and Standard of Placements for Young People
as Chair-elect of the Children and Young People PDC demonstrated his foresight and commitment to addressing critical youth welfare issues.
Patterns and Consistent Areas of Interest:
Throughout his council service, Alex Holmes has consistently demonstrated a deep concern for the most vulnerable members of the community, particularly children and young people. His dedication to scrutinizing council policies and ensuring their fairness and effectiveness is a recurring theme. His active participation in policy development committees, coupled with his direct engagement on ward-level issues, showcases a comprehensive approach to public service.
Yearly Activity Timeline
In 2026, Councillor Alex Holmes was a prominent figure at Redbridge Council, particularly in January. He chaired the Children and Young People Policy Development Committee, with a stated focus on SEND provision outside mainstream settings. Holmes also actively represented Valentines ward, voicing strong opposition to the proposed increase in the income threshold for social housing eligibility. He criticized Redbridge's methodology as >looser and less refined
< and questioned the justification for families in temporary accommodation. Furthermore, he seconded the motion >Protect and Restore Our Natural Assets.
<
Monthly Activity in 2026
During January 2026, Councillor Alex Holmes was actively involved in Redbridge Council meetings. He served as Chair of the Children and Young People Policy Development Committee, noting their upcoming focus on SEND provision outside mainstream settings. Holmes also represented Valentines ward and raised significant concerns about the proposed increase in the income threshold for social housing eligibility, questioning its justification for families in temporary accommodation and criticizing Redbridge's methodology as looser and less refined
compared to neighboring boroughs. Additionally, he seconded the motion Protect and Restore Our Natural Assets.
Meetings in January 2026
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Throughout 2025, Councillor Alex Holmes demonstrated consistent engagement and leadership within Redbridge Council, particularly in his role as Chair of the Children & Young People Policy Development Committee (PDC). A significant portion of his activity centered on the Cost and Standard of Placements for Looked After Young People
report, which he shepherded through various stages, culminating in recommendations to the Cabinet and Overview and Scrutiny Committee (OSC). He also played a key role in the PDC's subsequent focus on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Provision, leading discussions, workshops, and advocating for improved identification, planning, and timely issuance of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). Holmes consistently attended Council meetings, voting on matters such as Council Tax Reduction and sewage pollution. He also raised important questions regarding the Community Voice Forum
and voiced strong concerns about the placement of vulnerable individuals in temporary accommodation within his ward. His commitment to inclusivity was evident in his motion supporting equal access for the Roma community. Holmes's contributions highlight a dedication to improving services for young people, ensuring equitable treatment for vulnerable communities, and scrutinizing council operations.
Monthly Activity in 2025
During December 2025, Councillor Alex Holmes was actively involved in discussions concerning the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) priority action plan at the Redbridge Council. He questioned the current percentage of new Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) issued within the statutory 20-week timeframe, noting the baseline of 22% and the target of 50% by March 2027. Holmes advocated for a higher ambition, stating,
, and suggested learning from Barnet's successful practices. He also acknowledged improvements in timeliness while emphasizing the importance of EHCP quality. Additionally, Holmes provided an update on the Children and Young People Policy Development Committee (PDC), describing a constructive meeting with officers focused on SEND issues, with future discussions planned on SEND both within and outside mainstream settings. He was also present at the General Purposes Committee meeting on December 23, 2025, though no specific actions were attributed to him during that meeting.
The ambition should be 100%
Meetings in December 2025
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During November 2025, Councillor Alex Holmes was active in three Redbridge Council meetings. On November 10th, he arrived late and voiced strong concerns about other local authorities placing vulnerable individuals with complex needs into temporary accommodation in his ward without proper communication or support, calling the lack of notification a crime.
He also highlighted the prolonged wait times for residents in temporary accommodation seeking reviews and mentioned encountering hundreds of individuals placed in TA by the council itself. As a member of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, he reported positively on a Children & Young People Policy Development Committee (PDC) meeting that focused on SEND.
On November 24th, Holmes again arrived late to the council meeting, explaining he was delayed due to being locked out of the building and having to find an alternative entrance.
On November 25th, serving as Chair of the Children and Young People PDC, Holmes led a discussion on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). He asked detailed questions about SEND identification, school place planning, and sought clarification on various SEND-related terms. He also thanked participants and provided an update from a previous Overview and Scrutiny meeting.
Meetings in November 2025
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During the Redbridge Council meeting on October 14, 2025, Councillor Alex Holmes arrived late and raised several questions regarding the Community Voice Forum.
Holmes specifically inquired about the recruitment process, equality monitoring, and proportionality of its membership, expressing concern about member turnover and the potential for entrenched viewpoints. Holmes asked,
How confident are we that we are both having a community voice that represents the communities of Redbridge proportionally, and also that we are guarding against entrenched viewpoints? For example, is there a policy of you can't do it more than one year in a row, et cetera?
Additionally, Councillor Holmes reported that the Children & Young People Policy Development Committee (PDC) had selected SEND Provision as its focus for the municipal year and announced that a workshop would be held to develop recommendations for an outcome report.
Meetings in October 2025
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During September 2025, Councillor Alex Holmes was actively involved in several key initiatives within Redbridge Council. As Chair of the Children and Young People Policy Development Committee (PDC), he provided an update on the committee's focus on SEND Provision, noting that a workshop was planned to develop recommendations for an outcome report. He and the Vice Chair were also delegated authority to meet with officers to develop the scope and project plan for investigating SEND services, a task completed before the September 15th meeting. Additionally, Councillor Holmes moved a business motion titled Supporting Equal Access for Council Services for our Roma Community.
This motion underscored the Council's commitment to addressing inequalities faced by the Roma community and included resolutions to assess the Mishto Pledge,
commit to becoming a Mishto Local Authority,
and support awareness days for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month.
Meetings in September 2025
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During July 2025, Councillor Alex Holmes attended three Redbridge Council meetings. On July 14th, as Chair of the Children & Young People Policy Development Committee (PDC), Alex Holmes reported that the PDC had selected 'Send Provision' as their theme following their first meeting of the municipal year and would be holding a workshop on this topic. No specific statements or actions were recorded for Alex Holmes in the meetings on July 3rd and July 23rd.
Meetings in July 2025
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During June 2025, Alex Holmes played a significant role in the Redbridge Council's Overview and Scrutiny Committee meetings. On June 12th, he chaired the committee and, as Chair of the Children & Young People PDC, presented a report on the Cost and Standards of Placements for Young People. This report focused on the shift towards foster care for cost-effectiveness and included 10 recommendations for the Cabinet. He also expressed gratitude to the Cabinet Member and officers during discussions on the Little Heath Special School expansion and thanked attendees after an exempt session. Alex Holmes was also present at the Annual Council meeting on June 26th, though no specific actions or statements were recorded for him during that meeting.
Meetings in June 2025
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During May 2025, Councillor Alex Holmes, in his role as Chair of the Children & Young People PDC, provided an update on the Cost and Standard of Placements for Looked After Young People report, which was scheduled to be formally agreed by the PDC and recommended for progression to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (OSC) meeting on May 14th. He also attended the Redbridge Council meeting on May 15th and voted in favour of the Business Motion concerning Sewage Pollution of the River Roding.
Meetings in May 2025
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During April 2025, Councillor Alex Holmes, in their role as Chair of the Children & Young People PDC, provided an update on the committee's work. The PDC finalized Phase 1 of the Cost and Standard of Placements for Looked After Young People
report, recommending against an in-house facility due to low numbers. For Phase 2, the PDC intends to seek to offer recommendations to strengthen the LBR fostering service to ensure that young people receive the services based on their need.
The committee also planned to receive information on the Fostering Service from Waltham Forest and formally agree the outcome report on Phases 1 and 2 on April 23rd, with a recommendation to progress it to the OSC on May 14th. Councillor Holmes also attended the Redbridge Council meeting on April 23rd, marking their presence at all 7 meetings since September 2024.
Meetings in April 2025
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During March 2025, Alex Holmes, in their role as Chair of the Children & Young People Policy Development Committee (PDC), provided an update on the committee's work. This included reporting on a workshop to finalize Phase 1 and agree on Phase 2 of their investigation into the cost and standards of young people's placements, as well as mentioning a February meeting focused on foster carer recruitment strategies. Alex Holmes also attended the Redbridge Council meeting on March 20th and voted in favor of the recommendations for the Council Tax Reduction Scheme 2025/26.
Meetings in March 2025
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During February 2025, Cllr Alex Holmes chaired the Children and Young People Policy Development Committee meeting on February 24th. This marks their continued engagement, having attended all four meetings held since September 2024.
Meetings in February 2025
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Alex Holmes attended the Redbridge Council meeting on January 30, 2025. However, the available records indicate that they did not speak or take any specific actions during the meeting.
Meetings in January 2025
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Throughout 2024, Councillor Alex Holmes demonstrated significant engagement with Redbridge Council, particularly concerning issues affecting vulnerable residents and the development of local amenities. In September, he advocated for improved bus stop facilities for vulnerable individuals, stressing the importance of TfL respecting Redbridge residents in consultations. He also took on a new role as a Member of the Clean and Green PDC and inquired about the timeline and facilities for the new Valentines Park Lido. By December, as Chair elect of the Children and Young People PDC, he was actively involved in addressing The Cost and Standard of Placements for Young People,
gathering insights from various stakeholders and evaluating the potential for an in-house residential unit. His attendance at council meetings, including being present for 6 out of 8 scheduled meetings in November, underscores his consistent involvement in council business.
Monthly Activity in 2024
During December 2024, Cllr Alex Holmes, in his capacity as Chair elect of the Children and Young People PDC, continued to provide updates on the committee's work regarding The Cost and Standard of Placements for Young People.
This involved ongoing efforts to gather information from various sources, including officers, academics, and other Local Authorities, to understand current challenges. The committee was also evaluating the pros and cons of establishing an in-house residential unit for Redbridge.
Meetings in December 2024
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During November 2024, Alex Holmes attended the Redbridge Council meeting on November 21st. They were present for 6 out of the 8 scheduled meetings.
Meetings in November 2024
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During September 2024, Councillor Alex Holmes was active in two Redbridge Council meetings. In the meeting on September 2nd, he raised concerns about the inadequacy of bus stop waiting areas for vulnerable individuals, emphasizing the need for TfL to treat Redbridge residents with respect in future consultations. On September 19th, Cllr Holmes was appointed as a Member of the Clean and Green PDC. He also inquired about the construction timeline for the new Valentines Park Lido and the variety of facilities planned for the complex.
Meetings in September 2024
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Cllr Alex Holmes was listed as both absent (due to other Council business at the External Scrutiny Committee) and present at the Redbridge Council meeting on July 10, 2024. There is no record of Councillor Holmes speaking or taking any specific action during the meeting.
Meetings in July 2024
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Activity Timeline
Meetings Attended Note this may include planned future meetings.
67 meetings ยท Page 6 of 14
Redbridge Council
The General Purposes Committee convened to discuss and approve changes to polling places across the borough, aiming to improve accessibility and voter convenience for the upcoming 2026 local elections. The committee also reviewed the minutes from previous meetings.
Redbridge Council
Here is a summary of the scheduled discussions for the Redbridge Council Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting on 14 July 2025. The agenda included updates from the chairs of policy development committees, the annual report from scrutiny and policy development committees, and pre-decision scrutiny of executive reports concerning building maintenance, bridge options, and a special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) inspection.
Redbridge Council
The Education Scrutiny Sub-Committee for Redbridge Council was scheduled to meet on Tuesday, 8 July 2025, to discuss several topics related to education in the borough. The agenda included the election of a chair and vice-chair, a verbal report on smartphone use in schools, a report on education attendances, and a presentation on Key Stage 5 (KS5) performance and improvement. The committee was also scheduled to review the minutes from their previous meeting.
Redbridge Council
The Redbridge Council External Scrutiny Committee met on Thursday, 3 July 2025, to discuss updates from the Youth Council, the Metropolitan Police, and Transport for London (TfL). The committee received presentations and updates from the Youth Council on their annual activities and plans, and from the Metropolitan Police regarding local policing and crime statistics. The committee also received a verbal update from TfL.
Redbridge Council
Redbridge Council was scheduled to discuss a number of issues at its meeting, including motions on councillor safety, e-scooter regulation, and disability benefits. Councillors were also scheduled to discuss changes to the council's standing orders[^1] and committee appointments.
Decisions from Meetings
1 decision
Summary
Meetings Attended: 67
Average per Month: 2.9
Decisions Recorded: 1