I know that for many people, so-called affordable housing is still out of reach
London is gripped by a housing crisis but we want to do everything possible to help our residents remain here in Waltham Forest, close to relatives, friends and the local communities they grew up in. We also know that rent rises and mortgage increases have added to the problems people are facing. Between 2011 and 2022 we achieved the highest proportion of affordable housing of any London borough, but I know that for many people, so-called affordable housing is still out of reach. I'm proud that we've managed to create over 1,500 new council homes over the same period, which has allowed thousands of people on low incomes to find a safe place to bring up their families and build foundations in Waltham Forest. But we realise that much more needs to be done.
Earlier this year, we brought together an independent panel of industry experts to advise us, and its report has now been published. The recommendations include prioritising additional support for our most vulnerable residents and ensuring better protection for tenants, and we are putting together a plan to be published later this year to act on those recommendations.
This week, I'm delighted to see new Freedom of the Borough awards made to Saira Begum Mir and Leyton Orient FC. It's the highest honour the council can give and Saira has been an absolute inspiration as the founder of the PL84U AL-SUFFA food bank in Leytonstone. She is an absolute inspiration. We also couldn't let Leyton Orient’s title-winning season and the pleasure that they give so many of our residents, pass without recognition. Congratulations to everyone involved.
Grace
Cllr Grace Williams, Leader of Waltham Forest Council
Click on the image to watch Francis from Chingford talk about her new council home in our video
Click the postcode nearest you to find events coming up around the borough. Or check out the Events section on our website.
We are running a trial project to help more local people try out car clubs in your neighbourhood.
You can join a car club to gain access to a low emission vehicle near you, without needing to own a car, saving you up to £3,500 a year. Get involved by completing our survey and you may be eligible to receive a £50 voucher to spend on car clubs within Waltham Forest.
SuDS are helping to improve the natural environment at Rolls Sports Ground
Sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) manage surface water runoff, aiming to reduce the quantity of water while improving its quality to protect against pollution. They can also create a pleasant environment, increase resilience to the effects of climate change and help improve air quality.
Waltham Forest has a number of SuDS in place, including at Larkswood, Memorial Park and Rolls Sports Ground in South Chingford, removing or reducing flood risk to around 900 properties in those areas. They are also home to wildflower meadows and – at both Memorial Park and Larkswood – a family of ducks!
Dialled In: The Park arts and music festival comes to Lloyd Park on Saturday 22 July, from 12pm to 9pm, for visitors of all ages.
Visit Lloyd Park and William Morris Gallery for live music, DJs, activities and workshops celebrating South Asian culture. When you’re not relaxing and taking in the music, your festival ticket allows you to enjoy free tours of the Ashish: Fall in Love and Be More Tender exhibition at William Morris Gallery, and activities including slogan T-shirt- and jewellery-making workshops, poetry. Deeney’s Café, food stalls and an outdoor bar will be open on the day.
If you’re a Waltham Forest resident, tickets are £10 per person (use discount code: WFXDI-23), with free tickets for children aged 12 and under.
Nicola makes use of the service at the Dementia Hub in Leyton
Maintaining good foot health is vital for everyone, but particularly when you get older. It's important for many reasons, including avoiding infection and having more comfort and independence.
Did you know that Age UK Waltham Forest offers a toenail cutting service in Chingford or Leyton, from £21? To book an appointment, email support@ageukwalthamforest.org.uk.
From Thursday 13 to Saturday 29 July, the Revel Puck Circus big top welcomes back audiences from across the borough for a jam-packed run of world-class contemporary circus at Leyton Jubilee Park. Tickets from £10.
Share your thoughts on living here and get a £40 shopping voucher!
What's it like living in Chingford? How do you feel about Highams Park or Higham Hill? Wherever you live, we want to understand your thoughts and experiences of living in Waltham Forest. We will be holding online discussion groups on the 17, 18 or 19 July for one hour. Click on the link below to apply to take part.
If selected, you will be contacted by M.E.L Research and everyone who takes part will receive a £40 shopping voucher as a thank you for your time.
Leyton Cricket Pavilion and Tin Hut
The Council has been working on plans to revive the Leyton Cricket Pavilion and Tin Hut buildings within Leyton Sports Ground.
We will be holding a public engagement event on Saturday 22 July at 10am to 1pm at the Arts Block on Leyton Sports Ground, E10 6RJ, where you will be able to view the proposed plans and speak to Council Officers and the design team. No need to register, just drop-in on the day. You can view the proposals and provide feedback by completing the survey by 11pm on 22 August.
New Leytonstone homes and play areas
Our housing development company, Sixty Bricks, is inviting comments on proposals to build new homes in Leytonstone. Church Lane Car Park has been identified as a site to build more than 100 homes, with at least 50 per cent affordable. This includes homes for social rent for people on the Council’s housing waiting list, shared ownership, and private sale.
The scheme includes two new play areas: a multi use games area (MUGA) and a play space for younger children, a nature corridor to boost biodiversity in the area, and a range of improvements to the local landscape.
Sexual health
As part of the North East London partnership, we're working with other local authorities to develop a localised strategy for Sexual and Reproductive Health so that we can better support our residents.
Please complete a short survey to help us understand what matters the most to you when it comes to sexual and Reproductive health. You have time until 15 August to complete it.
Our summer holidays programme kicks off next weekend!
Join us at Fellowship Square for our six-week bumper holiday programme, with a series of events, workshops and tutorials, most of which will be free. Or come down and enjoy a picnic, relax or splash around and have fun in the musical fountains.
There’ll be Tai Chi lessons, nature sessions with The Hive, Carnival festivities, 3D modelling, a music bus, pop-up libraries, games and much more.
And join us this Saturday for the Go East Vintage Kids Takeover market, from 11am until late. Check out the full programme and make your summer memories here.
Blue for you: the playground is looking shiny and new
We're pleased to say the painting of the playground at 17&Central shopping mall in Walthamstow town centre has been completed and it is open for use once again. Thanks for your patience during the work.
Open day for people on the council housing register
If you're on the housing register and would like to find out about alternative housing options, register now to attend our Housing Options Open Day.
When: Wednesday 26 July
Where: Frederick Bremer School, Siddeley Road, London E17 4EY.
There are three hourly sessions, which will be repeated throughout the day:
- 10am to 11am
- 11:30am to 12:30pm
- 2:30pm to 3:30pm
Capita data breach
We were notified on Tuesday 16 May of a suspected data breach by our software contractor Capita, which led to some information about Waltham Forest residents being briefly put in a digitally accessible public folder, which meant that it was possible for people from outside the company to view it. Other councils around the country have also been similarly affected.
The information included people’s council tax balances as of 1 April 2022 and their names, as well some data relating to business rates. No bank or payment details were included.
We are unhappy that Capita has failed in the duty of care we expect of our suppliers and the incident has been referred into the Information Commissioner’s Office (the UK’s data protection watchdog). Capita has told us they have found nothing to suggest these details have been used illegally and, having reviewed the breach, believe the risk is low.
We contact residents via text messages, phone calls, and emails, and there is information on our website so that you can be sure any communications you receive are genuine. Waltham Forest Council will never ask for your bank details over the phone. If in doubt, please call 0208 496 3000 and check with the council directly.
What to do if you're worried you may have been a victim of a scam or fraud.
Bereavement support: how can we help?
We’re partnering with the NHS to develop bereavement services in the borough. When somebody important in your life dies, it can have a powerful and long-lasting impact on you. It can also affect your wider life, for example, at work or school, your family life, financial security or where you live. We want to hear from residents who have lost someone close to them about their experiences, feelings and needs around bereavement and grief. Your input will help us put the right support in place.
Travel disruptions: Chingford to Liverpool Street line
There are engineering works planned on the London Overground this month.
- Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 July and Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 July: no service between Hackney Downs and Chingford
- Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 July: no service Liverpool Street to Chingford
Planned engineering works on the Tube and Overground.
Volunteer for our Libraries 2 You service
Waltham Forest Libraries is looking for volunteers to support our Libraries 2 You service. This delivers books to residents who are unable to get out to their local library due to health or mobility issues. Both roles are based at Walthamstow Library. The service delivers and collects large quantities of stock to and from individuals as well as residential/care homes.
Support assistant, Walthamstow Library
You will select and acquire books and other library materials, based on customers' preferences, and prepare them for delivery Support assistant info.
Delivery driver
The ability to carry crates is essential and you must also have a full driving licence and access to a car, as there are large numbers of books to deliver at a time. Delivery driver info.
Current council vacancies and other local jobs
We regularly update the vacancies and local jobs listing on our Waltham Forest Jobs website. Explore available job opportunities and apply for roles that suit you.
And you can find the latest Waltham Forest Council jobs online on our website. And check out our LinkedIn.
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