Tuesday 2 November 2021
 This week we begin consulting on our budget planning for the next three years.
Balancing a budget - as we are legally required to do - is always a challenge but this will be one of the most difficult spending plans the Council has ever had to deliver.
That’s why it’s so important for residents and businesses to join our consultation so we can continue to act on their priorities at an extremely testing time. So please do share your priorities for our spending and have your say on our budget plans.
The pandemic has had a major impact on businesses and consumer confidence has been slow to return nationally as well as locally. That's understandable with COVID infection rates still high across the country, and it is why we launched our 'Let’s be safe together scheme' last week.
It's designed to help reassure the public that customer-facing businesses have safety in mind for both customers and staff, and that they are serious about regular cleaning and good ventilation.
I therefore encourage all Havering businesses to apply for the scheme and display their 'Let’s be safe together' stickers proudly so shoppers know they can feel that little bit safer this winter.
Lastly, I am calling for the Department for Transport and the Greater London Authority (GLA) to resolve their differences and build the planned station at Beam Park. Havering already suffers from a lack of transport infrastructure investment and all our plans centre on a station being built as an important part of the jigsaw puzzle for regeneration in the area.
The current situation is unacceptable and we need both parties to come to a positive resolution. That's why Havering Council has written to the Planning Inspectorate to ask for a delay to the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) for that area and hope that will allow time for a resolution.
If we do not have a solution in the New Year, then we will reconsider our position further and we may have to look at pulling the CPO all together. We hope this does not happen as no station will mean fewer new homes.
Cllr Damian White
Leader, Havering Council
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The COP26 climate summit is now taking place in Glasgow.
Havering Council is committed to tackling climate change and plans to be net carbon neutral no later than 2040.
To meet this target it is currently reviewing everything it does and will publish a climate action plan later this month.
This plan will spell out what it is already doing to achieve that target and what more will be required as Havering does its bit to meet the Government’s commitment to the UK being net carbon neutral by 2050.
To gain opinions from as many young people as possible, Havering Council is running a climate change survey that will be open until the end of COP26 summit on 12 November. If you're under 30, please take part in the survey to share your thoughts.
It's also organising a Climate Challenge awareness day this Saturday (6 November) in Romford's Market Place. Come along to find out more and see how together we can hit the 2040 target.
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Havering Council is urging residents to have their say on the borough’s spending plans for the next three years – following the impact of COVID-19.
The borough currently faces a £12 million pound budget shortfall in the wake of the pandemic.
The Council wants to hear from residents and businesses on plans to balance the books while protecting key frontline services.
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Havering Council is teaming up with the London Fire Brigade (LFB) to remind residents to enjoy Bonfire Night safely.
The Council, along with LFB and local Police, is encouraging residents to try and buy quieter fireworks if hosting their own displays at home, and to ensure neighbours are made aware before letting them off.
Dogs, cats and all pets should be kept inside and have a hiding place, as they often get distressed.
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 Every week Havering Council publishes a report on coronavirus in the borough on its website.
It includes data on infection rates and testing, as well as the vaccine roll-out. It also compares the programme in Havering with other parts of London and the rest of the country.
The graph above is taken from the report. It shows the number of Havering residents testing positive for coronavirus each week since 6 March last year.
There were 825 cases reported in the last week,18 fewer than the previous week.
This corresponds to an incidence rate on 29 October of 318 new cases per 100,000 population. This is higher than the equivalent figure for the whole of London (259/100,000) but lower than the England average of 416/100,000.
The total number of those who have died in Havering with COVID-19 now stands at 954 after one more death was recorded in the week ending 22 October.
Vaccines
The latest figures show that 80 per cent of all adults aged 18 or over in Havering have had at least one dose of the vaccine.
Nearly 76 per cent of the adult population in Havering have had their second dose of the vaccine which is higher than in East London (61 per cent) and London as a whole (63 per cent), and similar to the national average for England (76 per cent).
Hospitals
As of 1 November there were 72 inpatients admitted due to COVID-19 to our local hospitals.
The trust that runs those hospitals, BHRUT, also publishes weekly data on the number of patients it is treating.
The Government also provides daily COVID-19 data broken down by town or even postcode level.
 If you are unsure whether you can get your COVID-19 booster jab yet, visit this NHS website.
Young people between 12-15 years of age are now eligible to receive a single COVID-19 vaccine.
At present, one dose of the vaccine will be offered to most children in this age group.
Children do not need to be registered with a GP or have an NHS number to be vaccinated.
Children in this age group who are clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV), or live with someone who is immunosuppressed, will be offered two doses and will be contacted by their GP to arrange this.
For parents or young people who would like further information before having the vaccine, there is an online question and answer session with medical professionals being held tomorrow evening (Wednesday 3 November) from 6 to 7pm. If you would like to attend, please register.
Those aged 12-15 years old can also book an appointment to have a jab at either of these two local vaccination centres:
- Raphael House, Victoria Centre, Pettits Lane, Romford RM1 4HP
- Liberty Shopping Centre, 11 Western Rd, Romford RM1 3RL
In addition, 12-17 year olds can walk-in to Raphael House this Saturday afternoon and get a COVID-19 vaccination without a prior appointment. See more information in the graphic below.
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Every year Havering remembers those who have died in war.
This year's events begin with an Armistice Day service in Romford on Thursday 11 November.
That will be followed by parades and services across the borough on Remembrance Sunday (14 November).
Our website has a list of all the events that are planned.
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The Christmas lights are going on in Romford Town centre on Thursday 18 November.
The Romford event is just one of a series of events taking place across Havering to mark the start of the festive season.
Big Brovaz and Booty Luv, will be headlining this year’s show, and Queen's Theatre Hornchurch and Brookside Theatre will be showcasing their 2021 Christmas pantomines.
Time FM's Mark Dover will be hosting the show that has been made possible thanks to generous sponsorship from Romford Business Improvement District and Marlborough Highways.
Local vocal group 4tune, will also be performing at the event. They are a four-piece vocal covers band, covering all the latest chart hits and dance floor fillers.
Macey, Aimee,Tyrese and Charlie (pictured) have performed all over the UK at theatres, holiday parks and festivals.
They are all individual singer songwriters with music released on Spotify and iTunes.
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Havering Council is currently consulting on putting a Street Trading policy in place.
Have you a question for our licensing team about the new policy we’re consulting on?
If you are business or a resident, then join a special Question and Answer session tomorrow (Wednesday 3 November).
The session will be held online using Zoom and will run from from 6 to 7.30pm.
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Could you foster a child?
Fostering means caring for children and young people who cannot live with their own families.
The child or young person will live in your home for a period of time that could range from a few days, to several months, or in some cases several years.
Find out at Havering Council's next information evening this Thursday, 4 November, from 6pm.
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Protect your outdoor space this Autumn.
Keep gates, sheds and garages locked and don’t leave tools lying around.
Keep hedges at the front low and install outdoor lighting to expose any unwanted visitors.
Keep you and you’re your loved ones safe as the nights draw in.
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Reducing waste, sustainability and protecting the planet are top of the news agenda at the moment.
If you have a baby, or are expecting one, or are a carer for very young children, Havering Council is giving you the opportunity to learn about the benefits of reusable nappies.
The reusable nappy demonstration is at the St Kilda Children's Centre, 90 Eastern Road, Romford, RM1 3QA this Thursday (4 November), from 1 to 2pm.
The demonstration will show how you can get started to reduce waste and save money.
For more info call 020 3150 2023 or register online.
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 Reading Friend Knit and natter sessions are held every Wednesday morning at Gidea Park library between 10am and midday. There's no cost to join a session.
Art Appreciation Workshops are held on the first Wednesday of each month between 1.30 and 3.30pm at Havering Museum, High Street, Romford. This month "Representations of Women" is the topic. You can book a place by calling 01708 766571 or via the Museum's website. The cost is £5 and that includes refreshments.
Business networking group, Havering Means Business, meet again online this Friday (5 November) from 8 to 9.30am. It's an opportunity to talk business, and see how local businesses can help each other. Non-members are welcome to attend too, for a small fee. Register online.
Bedrock Radio's Charity Quiz Night will be held this Sunday (7 November) from 7.30 to 9.30pm at the Crumpled Horn pub, Corbets Tey Road, Upminster.
Tickets are just £10 and include a meal. Buy them online.
The event is to raise money for Bedrock Radio, the hospital radio serving Queen's and King George Hospitals.
The Coopers Coborn School in St Mary's Lane, Upminster, is holding a fireworks display on Saturday 13 November.
Gates open at 5.30pm with the display due to start at 6.30pm.
There will be a barbecue and bar, plus live music throughout the evening. The event is raising money for the Parents and Friends Association of The Coopers' Company & Coborn School, a registered charity.
Advance tickets are available online, or from the school office.
Havering Concert Orchestra are holding a Belated Happy Birthday Beethoven concert on Saturday 20 November at 7.30pm. The venue will be Frances Bardsley Academy, Brentwood Road, Romford, RM1 2RR.
Tickets are £10 in advance. You can get more information on their website.
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Panto is back in Hornchurch for 2021! Oh yes it is!
Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch will be staging the much-loved traditional pantomime Aladdin, from 25 November until 2 January.
You can join the adventure as Aladdin falls in love with the Princess, discovers an enchanted lamp and with his hilarious mum Betty Bagwash and a mysterious Genie sets out to make a fortune.
The performance will include original tunes played live and plenty of panto antics. Full details on the Theatre's website.
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 The Havering Literary Festival is back for 2021.
This year will feature bestsellers as well as highlighting the hidden talents of local authors. Whether you'll be joining an online event or an event in a library - all the tickets are free.
Events begin next week (10 November).
Tomorrow (Wednesday 3 November) is Stress Awareness Day.
If you’re looking for ways to relieve stress or to have a better work-life balance, lots of tips and help are available on our website.
There is also help available on Mental Health UK's website.
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If you have a trip to Europe planned, please remember to check the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office travel advice before you go, and while you're away.
In particular, check for
✅entry requirements
✅COVID-19 rules
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The Mum's guide to Romford Awards are back for their second year, supporting local businesses and encouraging us to celebrate great work.
There are seven categories where local businesses have been nominated by their clients and customers.
Over 1,000 nominations were received in the initial stages and there are currently five finalists in each category.
Voting closes tomorrow (Wednesday 3 November).
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The hunt is again on to find Havering's top sporting stars plus hard-working officials and helpers.
It's time for nominations for the Havering Sports Council's Annual Awards and, as always, there are eight award categories.
Winners will be presented with their awards at a presentation buffet at Upminster Golf Club on Monday 7 February, sponsored by B.A.T.S. of Ilford and attended by the Mayor of Havering.
You can see how to make a nomination for the Lifetime Achievement Award on the Havering Sports Council's website.
Entries close on Monday 10 January.
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