Ray Best - Councillor for Havering (Havering-atte-Bower)

Councillor Ray Best

Conservative Havering-atte-Bower

Council: Havering

Council Profile: View on council website

Committees: Strategic Planning Committee (Committee Member) Council (Committee Member) Place Overview & Scrutiny Sub Committee (Committee Member) Planning Committee

Activity Timeline

Meetings Attended Note this may include planned future meetings.

52 meetings · Page 1 of 11

Place Overview & Scrutiny Sub Committee Committee Member

Place Overview & Scrutiny Sub Committee - Tuesday, 27th January, 2026 7.00 pm

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).

January 27, 2026, 7:00 pm
Strategic Planning Committee Committee Member

Strategic Planning Committee - Thursday, 22nd January, 2026 7.00 pm

The Strategic Planning Committee met on Thursday 22 January 2026 to discuss three significant development proposals in Romford. The committee considered plans for a new residential-led neighbourhood at the former Homebase site, a mixed-use development at Crowlands Golf Centre, and the redevelopment of the former Debenhams building into a residential and hotel complex.

January 22, 2026, 7:00 pm
Council Committee Member

Council - Wednesday, 21st January, 2026 7.30 pm

The Council meeting on Wednesday 21 January 2026 was largely dominated by a debate over an urgent motion concerning Mercury Land Holdings, which ultimately led to the adjournment of most business. After extensive procedural discussions and votes, the council agreed to defer the remaining agenda items to a future date.

January 21, 2026, 7:30 pm
Strategic Planning Committee Committee Member

Strategic Planning Committee - Thursday, 11th December, 2025 7.00 pm

The Strategic Planning Committee of Havering Council met on 11 December 2025, to discuss a number of planning applications. The committee approved the application for a new Special Education Needs and Disability (SEND) school at Sports Ground, Balgores Lane, and deferred a decision on the Havering Islamic Community Centre at 222-226 South Street, Romford.

December 11, 2025
Council Committee Member

Council - Wednesday, 19th November, 2025 7.30 pm

The Havering Council meeting included discussions on tree inspections, the Romford Police Station front desk closure, and support for Zane's Law[^2], as well as the approval of the East London Joint Waste Plan submission. Councillors also addressed petitions and member questions on local issues.

November 19, 2025

Decisions from Meetings

12 decisions · Page 1 of 3

RESOLUTION TO EXTEND SIX MONTH ATTENDANCE RULE

From: Annual Council, Council - Wednesday, 21st May, 2025 7.30 pm - May 21, 2025

...to avoid Councillor Mandy Anderson being disqualified due to non-attendance at meetings because of medical treatment, they approved a resolution to extend the six-month attendance rule for her, allowing her to remain a councillor until at least January 15, 2026, unless she attends a qualifying meeting before then.

Recommendations Approved

DISCLOSURE OF INTERESTS

From: Annual Council, Council - Wednesday, 21st May, 2025 7.30 pm - May 21, 2025

...to approve the recommendations regarding the disclosure of interests, noting that no specific interests were disclosed at the meeting.

Recommendations Approved

APPOINTMENT OF THE CHAIRMEN AND VICE-CHAIRMEN OF COMMITTEES

From: Annual Council, Council - Wednesday, 21st May, 2025 7.30 pm - May 21, 2025

...they appointed the chairmen and vice-chairmen of various committees, including Julie Wilkes as Chairman of the Audit Committee and John Crowder as Chairman of the Pensions Committee, while also withdrawing the nomination of Councillor Mandy Anderson for the position of Chairman of Pensions Committee.

Recommendations Approved

APPOINTMENT OF THE MEMBER CHAMPIONS

From: Annual Council, Council - Wednesday, 21st May, 2025 7.30 pm - May 21, 2025

...it appointed Barry Mugglestone, Robby Misir, Bryan Vincent, and Frankie Walker as Member Champions for the Armed Forces, Equality and Diversity, the Historic Environment, and Young People, respectively, with the position for Equality and Diversity being contested and won by Robby Misir.

Recommendations Approved

ESTABLISHING THE COMMITTEES OF THE COUNCIL AND CONFIRMING THE SCHEME OF DELEGATION

From: Annual Council, Council - Wednesday, 21st May, 2025 7.30 pm - May 21, 2025

...to establish the committees of the Council and confirm the scheme of delegation, including approving the recommendations with amendments proposed by the Labour Group not agreed.

Recommendations Approved

Summary

Meetings Attended: 52

Average per Month: 2.2

Decisions Recorded: 12